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LOVE AND LAW. 



AN OI^IGINAL GOMBDY-DI^AMA IN POUl^ AGTS. 



BY 



MILTON NOBLES. 



Entered accDrJing to Act of Congress, in th; Librarian's Offics, at Washington, D. C 
in the year 1883, by 

Milton Nobles, 

as author and sole proprietor. All rights reserved. 



JUL 10 1884, 




PHILADELPHIA : 

LEDGER JOB PRINT. 

1884. 



LOVE AND LAW. 

A COMEDY-DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS, 

BY 

CQiiiTON noBiiES. '■^aS'^y 



ORIGINAL CAST. 

RITTA, an Italian Street Singer, Dollib Nobles 

HEt.EN MONTAGUE, an English Lady of wealth, . Agnes Herndon 

MRS. TARBOX, Mistress of Bay View Cottage, Florence Vincent 

KITTY O'ROURKE, servant to Mrs. Tarbox, Jennie Satteklee 

OLD ROSA, an Italian Crone, companion to Conti, Jennie Carroll 

Lady Guests at Bay View Cottage. 

SIR RANDALL BURNS, Bart Mvron W. Leffingwell 

JASPER CRADDOCK, the Black Sheep of a wealthy English family, . . O. H. Barr 
SEPTIMUS SAWYER, Attorney-at-Law, New York City, . . . . Benj. G Rogers 
JIMMIE NIPPER, alias " Cockney Jim," a London Thief, . . . Harry Rainforth 

GIOVANNI CONTI, an Italian Organ Grinder, George W. Barnum 

FERDINAND HOFFMEIER, " One of the Finest," Max Fehrmann 

THEOPHILUS CRANE. Clerk to Sawyer, Edwin L. Mortimer 

THE " DUDE " BOARDER, Willie B. Wright 

THE GROCER'S MAN, B. A. Long 

THE BUTCHER'S MAN, Will B 7hayer 

JOSEPH SKERRETT, an English Detective Officer, F. I. Ketchum 

FELIX O'PAFF, Attorney-at-Law, New York City, (late of Dublin,) Milton Nobles 
Gentlemen guests at Bay View Cottage. 

SYNOPSIS OF THE SCENERY AND INCIDENTS. 

ACT I — LOVE — The Intimation. Scene— Bay View Cottage, Staten Island, with a 
view of New York Bay and Harbor. (Hoyt & Brother. ) 

ACT II. — LOVE — The Inspiration. Scene — The Den of Giovanni Conti, Crosby 
Street, New York City. (Thomas Plaisted ) 

ACT III.— LOVE— The Realization Scene— The Boudoir of Helen Montague, New 
York City. (Hoyt & Brother.) 

ACT IV. — LAW — The Consummation. Scene i. — Law Office of Sawyer and O'Paff . 
Scene 2 — A street adjoining the residence of Helen Montague. Scene 3. — The Den of 
Giovanni Conti. 

A lapse of Ten Hours between the First and Second Acts. A lapse of Eight Months 
between the Second and Third Acts. A lapse of Four Weeks between the Third and 
Fourth Acts. 

First produced at the Corinthian Academy of Music, Rochester, N.Y., April 17th, 1884. 
Fourteenth Street Theatre, New York City, April 21st, 1884. 



i 



LOVE AND LAW, 

An Original Comedy-Drama 

BY 

iivd:iXj'X'oi>T asroBLES. 

ACT I. 

Bay View Cottage,. Staten Island, over- looking New York 
Bay and Harbor, handsome set house R., extending up 

from first grooves. Practical balcony above, door opening 
on balcony, veranda below, slightly elevated ganze zvin- 
dow, exposing interior of Cottage to audience. Balcony 
ornamented with hangi^ig baskets and climbing vines, etc., 
etc. Bay seen as from an elevation, small profile boats, 
steam and sail, passing during entire act- Ornamental 

picket fence at back, crossing stage. Open gate in c. , laige 
tree set L 2., circular seat aronnd tree, hammock swnng 
between tivo trees l. 3 e., riistic tables R. a7id L., ricstic 
chairs, etc., etc. Swing at back R. 

Liohts all tip, lively music at rise, guests discovered on upper 
balcony, one on lozver porch, gent in hammock, lady reading 
to him. Colored porter enters at back, followed by boy, both 
loaded down ivith marketing, they pass into house R. as 
Sawyer comes out. 

Septimus Sawyer, a hale and hearty middle-aged lazvyer, 
with morning papers in hand, x. to seat L. 

Sawyer. It looks as though we were going to have a 
square meal for dinner to-day. \_Sits L. 

\^Guests gradually saunter off. Gent and lady at ham- 
mock exit c. 

I hope I shall be allowed ten minutes quiet here, I can't 
get it in the house ; if ever I envied Robinson Crusoe his 

(3) 



4 LOVE AND LAW. 

solitude, it has been during- my visit to this alleged " quiet 
retreat." I'm fond of music, and I like children, but even 
" Monastery Bells " and the " Mulligan Guards " pall on 
one, when compelled to listen to them morning, noon and 
night, ground out of an old family relic of a cracked piano, 
by a ten year old "infant phenomenon." I'll see if I can't 
get time to look over the markets and court reports, [^reads. 
" Supreme court decisions, case 421, verdict of lower court 
affirmed." Good. 

Enter Nicholas Crane, clerk to Sawyer, a jniddle-aged 

old fellow, eccentric in make iip, through gate at back, he 

has a green bag filled with briefs. 

Crane. Good morning, Mr. Sawyer. \^Down c. 

Sawyer. Ah, Mr. Crane, good morning, what brings you 
up here? 

Crane. Business, sir; Business, sir: In the service of our 
noble profession the law. 

Sawyer. Yes, yes, I've heard that before. What is it? 

Crane. Documents : Buncombe vs. Biesley. Mr. S. said 
it was necessary that you examine them to-day. 

Saivyer. Of course, that's his idea of a vacation is it? 
All right, have you breakfasted ? 

Crane. No, sir, up and doing always. Business first and 
always, is my motto, in the pursuit of our noble profession 
the law. 

Sawyer. You're too zealous Crane, go into the house, they 
will get you some breakfast, take the papers with you, and 
leave them in the office. 

Crane. Yes, sir ; I will sir ; even the greatest of us must 
eat, it is a duty we owe to society, food stimulates the stom- 
ach, the stomach stimulates the brain, the brain formulates 
the law, and the law governs the world. 

\^Exit Crane into house r. 

Sawyer. \^Reading\ Case 360 verdict set aside and a new 
trial ordered. Ha, ha, well that is good. 

\_Enter from house Mrs. Tarbox. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Good morning, Mr. Sawyer, anything new 
in the papers ? 

Sawyer. Haven't had time to look. I've just been glanc- 
ing over the court reports and markets. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Aint they terrible ? 

Sawyer. What ? 



LOVE AND LAW. 5 

Mrs. Tarbox. Why the markets, butter fifty cents a 
pound, eggs forty cents a dozen, its terrible. 

Sawyer. I was not referring to the provisions but to the 
money market, bonds and stocks. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Oh yes, of course ; when poor dear Henry 
was ahve he was the same ; he always wore one. 

Sawyer. Wore what ? 

Mrs. Tarbox. Stocks. 

Sawyer, [y^j'z^.?.] This old woman is a nuisance. \^Aloud^ 
I think I'll take a stroll. Please be kind enough to tell Kitty 
to bring my claret and biscuit out here, and when I return 
I'll take my luncheon. 

Mrs. Tarbox. \^Going to ho2ise.'] Certainly, Mr. Sawyer, 
I'll have the claret put on ice at once. 

[Bxif Mrs. Tarbox info house r. 

Sawyer. 'Tis no wonder that " poor dear Henry " is dead. 
What a blessed relief he must have found in "shuffling off." 
I'll go down to the inlet and anchor myself off in a boat, and 
see if I can read my paper in peace and quiet there. 

\_Exit Sawyer, l. i e. 

Enter at back Helen Montague ««^ Sir Randall Burns, 

they approach house, Helen offers her hand, Sir Randall 

Burns takes it and retaining it, speaks. 

Sir Randall Burns. One moment Helen," do not leave me 
thus, let me finish now. 

Helen Montague. Sir Randall why dwell further upon the 
subject ? It but inflicts needless pain. 

Sir Randall. Helen I would die sooner than cause you 
one moment of pain, but I must know upon what grounds 
your refusal of my suit is based ; sit here for a moment. 
\She hesitates^ Surely you can grant that trifling request ? 

Helen. \_Aside, dropping into seat by tree.'] I cannot spare 
myself one moment of pain. [Sir Randall sits beside her. 

Sir Randall. Helen, three years ago, in England, I paid 
to you such attentions as a man pays only to the woman he 
honestly loves. I did not then plainly speak of my affection, 
for my circumstances were not such as to warrant me in 
proposing for the hand of the rich heiress, the idol of our 
circle, but you knew, all knew, that I loved you. Is it not 
so? 

Helen. [ With downcast head.] Yes, Sir Randall, I knew 
it. 



LOVE AND LAW. 



1 



Sir Randall. Once, and once only, did I allow my feelings 
to get the better of my judgment, I do not know what I 
said, my words were broken, but they were words of love, 
and I thought Helen ; heaven help me if hope led me to 
error, but I thought that in that moment of joy, I recognized 
a something in your sad sweet face which told me ihat some 
time I might speak, and not fear your answer. 

Helen. Sir Randall, I beg you to spare me further recital 
of that scene. 

Sir Randall- A few words more and I am silent, I was 
called to Scotland by the death of a relative, who left me a 
princely fortune, when I returned rich, and in a position to 
declare myself, I found that you had gone, where, no one 
could tell. Selling my commission in the army, I came to 
America in search of forgetfulness, chance or a blessed 
fatality again brought us face to face ; but still you are sad 
and thoughtful, refusing both confidence and consolation. 
Tell me Helen, what is the cause? 

Helen. Do not ask me, I cannot speak. Sir Randall. 

Sir Randall. Your reticence shall be respected Helen, 
only tell me frankly, can I, may I hope? 

Helen. Sir Randall, for the present at least, there is no 
hope that I can offer. 

Sir Randall. I thank you for your forbearence in per- 
mitting my attentions, I hope at least to be considered a 
friend. 

Helen. [Aside.l Could I but speak. lAlond.^ Yes, as a 
very, very, dear friend. \_Giving him lirr hand. 

Sir Randall. \^Taking her ha7id.~\ Even for that I am 
thankful. 

Enter Kitty froju house, zvith boUle of claret, glasses and 
plate of bisc7cit, Sir Randall a7id Helen quickly sep- 
arate, Kitty x's l., and puts tray on table. 

Sir Randall. \^In lively tones.^ Remember, Mrs. Montague 
you promised to back your ponies against my grays for a 
dozen of gloves. 

Helen. \^Gaily.'] And I shall win them too, remember 
twelve buttons. 

Sir Randall. Oh, I have the size and make. 

Helen. This afternoon at four on the shore road. 

Sir Raiidall. I will be on hand, until then adieu. 



LOVE AND LAW. 7 

Helen. Adieu, Sir Randall. 

\^Exit Helen in lioiise r., exit Sir Randall ihroiigh gate 
C, a?id off. 

Kitty. [ Who has been observing them.'] Aha, that's a foine 
way them illig-ant folks have of saying phat they don't mane, 
there's more than you kin see wid looking at 'em. A foine 
illigant couple they'd make, he's a rale lord, he's a rale 
gintleman too, I can tell that by his always giving me fifty 
Cents whin I wait on him ; and she's a foine lady, an a widdy 
too. Oh, dear, but there's something about thim widdy's 
thet bothers the min entiiely. There Mr. Sawyer, there's 
your lunch Oh, he's a great lawyer, is Mr. Sawyer, as sits 
all day on a high binch and sez " are ye guilty or are yez 
not guilty." 

\^Enter at back Ferdinand Hoffmeiek, a New York police- 
man., in undress uniforrn. 

Hoffmeier. \_At back, over fence.] Hello! Kitty! How 
was the queen of hearts ? 

Kitty. Och, there's Mr. Hoffmeier. \_Ciirtsies.'\ Good 
morning, Mr. Hoffmeier. 

Hoffmeier. Goot morning. \_Coming downc] How you 
vas to-day ? 

Kitty. Very well, I tank you sur. Have ye any news for 
me to-day ? 

Hoffmeier. I've got more dan news. I've got de col- 
lateral. 

Kitty. Phats that ? 

Hoffmeier. I've got your vatch, und your rings, und your 
money. \_Prodnci?ig articles.] 

Kitty. Oh, Mother of Moses ! An' have I got them all 
back again ? 

Hoffmeier. Every ding. \_Givi71g them.] 

Kitty. The blessing of St. Patrick upon you Mr. Hoff- 
meier. 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand, dots my front name. 

Kitty. Well, Ferdinand, I'll thank you, an' pray for ye 
ivery day of my life- How much is to pay? 

Hoffmeier. Don't thank me, und dere's nodings to pay. 
Besides, it wasn't me gott de dings back, anyway. 

Kitty. Wasn't it. Well who was it? 

Hoffmeier. It vas dot coundryman of yours. Dot lawyer, 
Mr. O'Pafif. He sawn dem swindlers ven dey vos hanging 



» LOVE AND LAW. 

around Castle Garden, robbing de emmigrants, und ven dey 
gott holt of you, he followed dem, und gott me to help him 
mit de case. 

Kitty. Heavens bliss him. That was my mother's wed- 
ding ring, an' the watch has been in the family a hundred 
years. 

Hoffmeier. Veil I should dink so by de looks of it. Mr. 
O'Paff gott de fellers send oop for two years, und den dere 
vas some trouble godden the dings again back. You see 
ve have lots of ret dape in the law bisness oud. 

Kitty- Yis, I suppose so. 

Hoffmeier. Bud you got everyding back at last now. De 
money vas ten dollars short, but Mr. O'Paff made dot up 
himself; so you have got everyding yust as you lost it. 

Kitty. Oh, he's a foine man. An' he wouldn't take any 
pay? 

Hoffmeier. Nod a cend. 

Kitty. Oh, this is a great country. 

Hoffmeier. You bed your boods it's a great coundry, und 
de next dime vot you emigrate, you yust tooken your money 
und your vatches und dings, und sew dem up in your stock- 
ing in. 

Kitty. Oh, Mr. Hoffmeier. 

Hoffmeier. Now, Kiddy, dot everyding is settled, vot do 
you dink about settling down yourself. How vould you 
like to join de force ? 

Kitty. Well, Mr. Hoffmeier, I'm very thankful to you for 
all your kindness; but I'm a little onaisy about policemen. 
Phen I was workin fer Mrs. Col. O'Mulligan, at Bowling 
Green, in Dublin, there was a policeman who did his tryin' 
to coort me there, an' tellin' me quare yarns about his bein' 
dicinded from the Kings and Jukes of Ireland; an' that he 
would make me a Quane or a Jukess, an' the way 
that policeman would ate could vittals, an' make luve an' 
drink beer. An' all the time he had a wife an' nine childer 
livin' in Tipperary. 

Hoffmeier. Dot vos de same mit de Irish policeman here, 
dey vos a pad lot, look oud for dem. But ven a Dutch 
policeman talks marry, you bed your boots he means pis- 
ness. 

Kitty, But I haven't taken out me papers yit. 

Hoffmeier. {^Putting his arm aroiaid her.^ I vill nadura- 



LOVE AND LAW. 9 

lize you mit de marriage certificate. \_A7sses her. Mrs. 
Tarbox appears in door of house ^ 

Kitty. \_Nestling tip to Hoffmeier^ Is that the way you 
naturalize DubHn girls in this country? 

Hoffvieicr. Dots von of de vays. 

Kitty- Well it's less trouble than. I thought. You can 
naturalize me again if you have time. \_He is about to kiss 
her again zvhen Mrs. Tarbox speaks^^ 

Mrs. Tarbox. [^0)t porch 0/ honse.~\ Young woman, if you 
think you are naturalized enough, you can come in and set 
the table for lunch. [ They separate at the sotind of her voice ^ 

Hojfmeier \_Lnportantlv.'\ Young vooman dit you see 
anyding of a black und dan dog around here. [ Whistles.^ 

Kitty. Oh, murther ! murther ! \^R7ms into house R. 

Hoffnieier. [ Whistling.'] Vere de tuyfel dit dot dog got 
to? 

Mrs. Tarbox. I guess your dog has gone to get his natur- 
alization papers. 

Hoffnieier. Dot dog is here. I know it. He comes here 
every day ven de orchestra blays in de pavillion dere. He 
vos fond of music. 

Mrs. Tarbox. A dog fond of music. How do you know 
he is ? 

Hoffnieier. Because he carries a brass band around his 
neck. \_Laughs at Mrs. Tarbox f\ Oh go und got natura- 
lized- 

Exit, laiighing at Mr.s. Tarbox, gate r. c. Mrs. Tarbox 
flaunts angrily into house. 

Felix O'Paff. \_Off L. u. e.] Aisy with that hat box, 
gently with that umbrella, my man. There you are, never 
mind the change. Buy a peck of oats with it, and give that 
old horse a square meal. 

Music forte, Felix G Paff enters L. c, down, carries hat box, 
bag, jonbrella, etc , etc; well, bid rather eccentrically 
dressed. A young, bright, good-looking fellow, with a 
touch of the brogue. Kitty comes from house. 

Kitty. Oh, a new arrival. 

O' Paff. Well I'm here, but where am I ? The place 
looked inviting and I tried it at a venture. \_Kitty comes 
dozvn c] Excuse me young woman, but what is the name 
of this place ? 



lO LOVE AND LAW. 

KiUy. Is it the hotel yez mane? 

O'Paff. House, grounds, demesne, and all the appurten- 
ances thereto belonging-. What do you call it, when you are 
under the necessity of giving it a name? 

Kittv. Well sir, this Hotel is called the Bay View Cottage. 

O'Paff. Full. 

Kitly. Sur? 

O'Paff. Are ye full ? 

Kitly. Is it the rooms ye mane sur? 

O' Faff Did ye suppose I meant the boarders ? 

Kitty. Well, we're pretty well filled below sir, but there's 
some rooms up stairs. 

C Paff. Just like my profession. Crowded below, but 
plenty of room at the top. What are the names of some of 
your guests ? 

Kitty. Well, there's Mr. Sawyer sir, a great liyer in New 
York. Do 5^ou know him ? 

O'Paff. Well; there are so many great liars in New York. 
Is it Septimus Sawyer, the criminal lawyer you mean ? 

Kitty. That's the one sir. And thin there's a rale English 
Lord. 

O'Paff. English Lord — some London cab-driver doing 
the grand, I suppose. Proceed Nora macushla. 

Kitty. My name is not Nora, it's Kitty. 

O'Paff. Kitty — Sweet Kathleen Mavourneen \_Si71gs //.] 
And the ladies Kitty. If I have a strong weakness Kitty, 
it's for the ladies. 

Kitty. There's a rich English widdy. 

O'Paff. A widow ? 

Kitty. Young and beautiful. 

O' Paff. \^D)'ops his bag on Kitty s fcet^ Oh ; I beg pardon. 
\^Picks tip bag?^ A beautiful widow. I'll anchor here. 
Where there is a young and pretty widow, there is where 
O'Paff flocks. I'll condole with her upon her recent loss. 
I suppose it is recent, Kitty ? 

Kitty. I don't know sur. 

O'Paff. Well, we'll hope for the best. As a consoler of 
young widowhood, and a mitigator of lonely grief, I loom 
up. 

Kitty. What name did you say sur ? 

O'Paff. ^Giving cardP\ O'Paff, Felix O'Pafl", Attorney- 
at-law. New York, late of Dublin- 



LOVE AND LAW. II 

Kiity. \^FaI ling 071 her knees and kissing O'Paff's ha7id.~\ 
Oh, thin you're the kind gintleman who got back all of my 
money, and my mother's watch and wedding ring. Heaven 
bless you sir. 

O'Paff. \_Looking at her.'\Why so it is my Httle Irish 
wayfarer that fell among thieves. 

. Kitty. Oh, sir, never a night from that time to this, have I 
gone to me bed without mentioning you. And I hope you'll 
recave your reward in the nixt world, as you wouldn't take 
pay in this. 

O' Paff. [ With feeling.'] SLand up child. In the course of 
a vagabond life, I have done many an act of kindness, often 
at the cost to myself of privation and self-denial, but I have ■ 
never been repaid with gratitude so sincere as this. 
Kitty. \_Crying?\ I was a stranger in a strange land. 
O' Paff. Yes, dear, you were a stranger and they took you 
in. \^Puts his arm around her.~\ Don't cry, dear, although 
my great specialty is widows, I am an expert in all branches 
of the female consolation line. \_Lays her head on his 
shoidder.A. Don't cry, dear. [ Wipes her eyes ivith handker- 
chief. Mrs. Tarbox appears on veranda R.] 
Who ran to catch me when I fell, 
And kissed the spot to make it well ? 
\^Kisses her. Mrs. Tarbox conghs — examining Kitty's 
tooih.~\ Yes, young woman, it must come out or be filled. 
The molars being in immediate proximity to the incisors, 
demands prompt treatment. [Mrs. Tarbox coming down. 
Mrs. Tarbox. Kitty ! 

Kitty. \Screa?ns and runs up to door R ] Oh, murther ! 
Mrs. Tarbox. Are you getting another set of naturaliza- 
tion papers ? 

Kitty. \_Hand on her jaw.~\ Oh, Doctor ! Doctor! 

\_Exit into house R. 
Mrs. Tarbox- Are you a dentist, sir ? 
O'Paff. [ Who has gathered up his traps^ Not exactly 
Madam. I'm a lawyer. Yet it's but a step from Blackstone 
to Esculapius. While one puts a plaster on your back, the 
other applies a poultice to your pocketbook. \^Handing 
card to Mrs. Tarbox.] 

Mrs. Tarbox. You're the second man I've caught kissing 
that young woman this morning. Kissing servant girls 
seems to be getting epidermic here' 
O'Paff. Getting what, ma'am ? 



12 LOVE AND LAW. 

Mrs. Tarbox.. I said epidermic. 

O'Paff. I wonder when that word was injected into the 
English language. Is this a public house ma'am ? 

Mrs. Tarbox. {.Stiffly^ It is sir. 

O Paff. \^Aside^^ I shall have to mollify the old lady. {^Alo2id7\ 
Well Miss, could I see your father or mother ? 

Mrs- Tarbox. [Simperuig.'] Oh sir, I am the landlady. 

O'Paff. \_Droppi)ig bag on her foot.'] I beg your pardon. 
\_Picks 2cp bag.] I would'nt have thought it could be possible. 

Afrs. Tarbox. And you're looking for a genteel retreat? 

O'Paff. Exactly ; a temporary recreation, I'm completely 
run down with overwork, cutting off coupons, collecting 
interest, etc., etc. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Yes, I know how it is. 

O'Paff. \_Asidt\'] I wish I did. \_Aloiid.'] What are my 
chances ma'am ? 

Mrs. Tarbox. Well I'm pretty full. \_Pause^ But I have a 
sweet of rooms on the top floor. 

O'Paff. Rooms en suite eh ? Well I'm sure the rooms 
can be no more sweet and charming than the hostess. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Really Mr. O'Patf. 

O'Paff. I cannot flatter ma'am. 

Mrs. Tarbox. You so remind me of poor, dear Henry. 

O'Paff. I beg pardon but Henry is ? 

Mrs. Tarbox. My late husband. I am a widow. 

O'Paff. \^n rapping bag on Mrs. Ta7'box's foot.] Oh, I 
beg your pardon. [^Aside.] Another widow O'Paff ye divil, 
here is a vast field of usefulness. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Henry was such a flatterer. He used to 
call me " Little Goosey," and always declared that I was as 
beautiful as Venice. 

O'Paff. He could'nt help it ma'am, the oracular proof 
was before him ; and like myself, he scorned to flatter. 

Mrs. Tarbox. I dare say I was not unattractive then. 
But, I'm no longer a girl. 

O'Paff- No ! still you were a girl once, there's a consola- 
tion in that. You were a girl awhile ago, a long while ago. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Sir ! 

O'Paff. Girlhood is but fleeting, youth is frivolous. But 
the ripened charms and stately grace of a perfect woman- 
hood, fills full the measure of-of-of-of mundane bliss. 

Mrs. Tarbox. Now that I think of it, Mr. O'Paff, I have 



LOVE AND LAW. 1 3 

a large room vacant on the second floor. It commands a 
fine view of the bay. 

OPaff. Good, 1 '11 take it. 

Mrs. Tarbox. The terms will be 

O' Pajf. Don't mention them my dear madam, must our 
delightful conference, our feast of reason and flow of soul 
be mingled with vulgar dross ? If it were a hundred golden 
golconda a week, with the happiness of your society it would 
be cheap. 

]\l7-s. Tarbox. [Asz'de.l He must be very wealthy. 

O' Paff. '[Aside.^ I may as well give the old century plant 
a good dose of tatfy. I shall have nothing else to give her 
until my quarterly allowance arrives from Dublin. 

Jfrs. Tarbox. I'll send the servant for your baggage. 

O'PaJf. Not at all ma'am, this satchel contains valuable 
family jcAvels, and I prefer not to trust them out of my hands. 

M?'s. Tarbox. Oh, very well. \_Gomg io house.'] \Ne lunch 
at twelve and dine at five. 

O'Paff. I'll do your dinner justice ma'am. \^Exit Mrs. 
Tarbox into housed Well that old woman can digest more 
soft soap than a Chinese laundry. Let me see how the 
family jewels are coming on. \_Sits on rtisiic scat L. of table, 
opens bag.] Six paper collars, one ditto bosom, four stock- 
ings, tooth brush, blacking ditto, Well it's lucky that old 
woman did'nt insist upon examining my luggage. [^Sees zvine 
and biscuit on table.] Hillo ! here's a luncheon. Well now 
that's thoughtful, \Jielps himself to wine, drinks.] Not bad 
either; try it again ye devil, I will. [Sings.] " For there's 
whiskey in the jar, and there's more behind the bar." 
\_E71ter Septimus Sawyer l. i. e. Looks at O'Paff in 

astonishment^ 

Sawyer. Well upon my word ! that fellow seems to be 
enjoying my claret and luncheon. Excuse me sir, but — 

O'Paff. Don't mention it sir, join me in a glass of claret. 

Sawyer. [ Taking seat.] You seem to be at home here sir? 

O'Paff. I am sir, I have a delightful second story front, 
with a veiw of the face of nature 

Sawyer. Indeed ! I hope the wine is satisfactory sir ? 

O'Paff. Only medium sir. Yovi can't expect much in 
these places. 

Sawyer. Really ! Well sir, allow me to inform you that 
I imported that wine myself, for my own private consumption. 



14 LOVE AND LAW. 

O' Paff. I beg your pardon sir, I had no idea that I was 
trespassing upon private property. 

Sawyer. \^MolliJied.'] Oh don't mention it. You're quite 
welcome, permit me to do the honors. \_SariVyer fills glass^ 
Mr.— Mr— ? 

OPaff. O'Paff sir, Felix O'Paff, Attorney at Law, New 
York, late of Dublin Four Courts, at your service. 

Saivyer- \Surprised.'\ Not the O'Paff who last month 
conducted the defense in the case of the " Commonwealth 
vs. Forsdyke "? 

C Paff. The same sir. 

Sawyer. I'm glad to know you sir. \_Shaking hands. ~\ 
Your alibi was one of the completest and best worked up I 
have ever known. 

O'Paff. Thank you for the compliment. And you are 
one of us yourself then, I take it. 

Saivyer. Yes we are two of a kind. My name is Sawyer, 
Septimus Sawyer. 

O' Paff. \Shaking his hand.l Delighted to know one so 
honored and eminent in his profession. 

Saivyer. I should judge you were enjoying a large and 
remunerative practice, Mr. O'Paff. 

O'Paff. There's no question as to the enjoyment. In 
regard to the " large and remunerative," silence is golden. 

Sawyer. Indeed ; you surprise me. 

O'Paff. I'm glad to know it sir. It confirms the wisdom 
of my policy. I always make it a rule to keep up appear- 
ances. Let me fill your glass, sir. I have learned that if a 
man is poor, and acts poor, the very dogs in the street will 
bark at him. 

Sawyer. You're something of a philosopher, O'Paff. 

O'Paff. I'm an Irishman, the terms are synonomous. 

Sawyer. You always appeared to be overrun with business. 

O Paff. A part of my policy, sir, and all a sham. 

Sawyer. Sham ? 

O'Paff. Bogus, allow xnQ—^^Fills glass.'] Over this glass 
of rosy wine I'll let you into the secret of my business 
activity. My sole capital at present is a smart office boy and 
a big green bag. The boy is stuffed full of deviltry, and the 
green bag is stuffed full of old newspapers. I have a desk 
and several chairs, but they are only hired. And so by dint 
of keeping up appearances, and seeming not to want it, I'm 
picking up a stray brief now and then. 



LOVE AND LAW. 1 5 

Sazvyer. There's no fear of your ultimate success, But 
the problem of living in the interim ? 

O'PaJf. I'm in receipt of a small allowance from an old 
uncle's estate. I receive it quarterly. The first two weeks 
I live in clover. It's during the other eleven that the prob- 
lem comes in, just at present I'm in the eighth week. A 
lack of confidence seemed to pervade the boarding houses 
on my circuit, so I slipped over to the island here in search 
of a retreat, where my personal charms and conversational 
brilliancy would be an equivalent for my board until next 
quarter-day. \_Boih laugh heartily^ By the way Sawyer 
what sort of quarters are these here? 

Sazvyer. Oh, so, so. 

O'Paff. Good provision for the inner man ? 

Saziyer. Very fair, the old lady provides well, but the 
cooking is bad, services bad, she means well but don't know. 

O'Paff. I see, good heart and bad liver. [Both luvgh^. 
Now with my New York landlady its the reverse. 

Sawyer. How's that. 

O^Paff. Good liver, but no heart, no heart, that's why 
I'm changing. 

Sawyer. \_La7ighhig, rising and x's io c] Well O'Paff, old 
boy, you must excuse me, my clerk is waiting for me inside 
with some briefs for me to look over. 

O' Paff. Certainly, don't neglect business. 

Sazvyer. I intended leaving this stupid place to-day, but 
now that a congenial spirit has been found, I'll stay another 
week. 

O'Paff. Stay a fortnight. 

Sawyer. I'll stay a montli. 

O'Paff. D — n it we'll stay all summer. \^Both laugh. Saw- 
yer exits into house 7'oaring.^ It was my lucky star that 
brought me here, Sawyer is a brick as well as a successful 
lawyer and I'll cultivate him. 

Sir Randall ^urns enters at back cotnijig down c. and 
going toward house. 

I ought to know that face. I beg your pardon sir — \Sir 
Randall turns ^ I can't be mistaken. Sir Randall Burns. 

Sir Randall. \^Surprised7\ What ! Why yes it is. [ Grasps 
O'Paff's hand.'\ Felix O'Paff! My old Trinity College 
chum ! 
• O'Paff. The same, well this is a pleasant surprise. 



l6 LOVE AND LAW, 

Sir Randall. Who could have thought of meeting you 
here? 

G Paff. Or yourself either. The last time we met, was 
at the Army and Navy Club rooms in London. It was let 
me see — 

Sir Randall. Three years ago, old fellow. 

O' Paff. Exactly. I remember now, just at that time I was 
a little— 

Sit Randall. [^Laiigliing] A little hard pushed financially, 
I remember. 

aPaff. Exacdy. 

Sir Randall. And now ? 

O' Paff- I'v^e been holding my own bravely ever since. 

Sir Randall. But your uncle left you a handsome prop- 
erty ? 

O' Paff. In trust, with a quarterly allowance. But the 
time limit expires in six months from this very day, when I 
shall receive a snug little fortune. 

Sir Randall. In the meantime you know where you can 
always find a banker. 

O' Paff. Meaning yourself, thank you old boy, but I value 
your friendship too highly, to make myself your debtor. 

Sir Randall. Still the same old O'Paff. 

O'Paff. I hope so. A little older and a trifle wiser but 
unchanged in my first principles. But tell me of yourself 

Sir Randall. Well you know I bought a commission and 
went into the army. 

O'Paff. I joined the bar, and went into bankruptcy. 

Sir Randall. I served a year, and at Rourke's Drift won 
the Victc)ria Cross. 

O'Paff. I practiced three years at the Four Courts and 
never took a brief 

Sir Randall. I sold out my commission and made a tour 
of the watering places in France and England 

O'Paff. I was sold out by a sheriff, made a delOMK to 
avoid my creditors, and came to America to retrieve my 
fortunes. 

Sir Randall. At Bath, I met my fate in the lovely Helen 
Montague. 

OPaff. Poor devil and she jilted you ? 

Sir Randall Confound it man, no. 

OPaff. What! You're married ? Worse and worse. 



LOVE AND LAW. 17 

Sir Randall. No! Hang it! Don't interrupt me, where 
did I leave off? 

cyPaff. Well I don't know where you left off You began 
with Helen Montague. 

Sir Randall. I fell desperately in love with her, and at 
the very moment when I fancied I had some hope of a return 
of my affection, she disappeared, leaving no clue behind her_ 
Judge of my joyful surprise when a month ago, by the 
merest accident, I encountered her here in New York where 
she has relatives. 

O'Paff. Sir Randall personally and professionally, I con- 
dole with you. There's my card, and if yourself or the lady 
contemplate an action for abandonment or breach of promise, 
I'll serve you for friendship's sake. 

Sir Randall \_Langhing.'] Thanks you rascal, but I'm not 
likely to need you in fliat direction, though possibly I may 
in another, I am confident that Mrs. Montague, who is a 
widow, has some serious family troubles. I know that I am 
not indifferent to her, yet some secret in her life keeps me 
at bay upon the subject of marriage. I'll introduce you, 
and knowing you to be both a lawyer and a friend she may 
eventually confide in you. 

O'Paff. Leave it to me, my great specialty is widows, and 
family mysteries is my strong point. 

Mrs. Montague appears on Ve7'anda r. 

Mrs. Montagtie. Back again. Sir Randall ? 

Sir Randall. Yes, I just ran down to the village for my 
mail. 

Mrs. Montague, comes dozvn r.c. 

Allow me to present a friend Mrs. Montague, an old 
Dublin College chum, Felix O'Paff. 

Both acknozvledge iyitroduction- 

[Aside to Mrs. Montague.] An eccentric fellow but gen- 
erous to a fault. Well born and a gentleman. 

Mrs. Montagiie- I shall like him for your sake. 

Sir Randall. Thank you. 

O'Paff. Surely it was something more than accident that 
brought me here to-day. 
Organ heard off L.u. E., and Ritta siyiging, at end of strain. 

Mrs. Montague. Music. Are we to have a concert? 

[O'Paff has gone up c. looking off. 

Sir Randall. So it seems, by some exiles from Italia with 
barrel organ accompaniment. 



1 8 LOVE AND LAW. 

O'Paff. I declare its my little protege. \^Co77iing dozcm.l 
Here's an interesting case, the face of a madonna and the 
voice of a nightingale and a form as dainty as a poet's fancy. 
She's the companion of a villanous old organ grinder who 
ill-treats her. About a month ago I caused the rascal's 
arrest and prosecuted him myself, I could have given him 
six months on the island, but I let him off on promise of 
good conduct. But I've kept him under my eye constantly, 
for I have felt instinctively that the girl was not his child. 

Afrs. Alontague. Possibly some waif, that he has picked 
up ? 

O'Paff. Or s/ole7i,\v\\&\\ she was too young to remember it. 
\_Orgaii plays, and Ritta si'no-s, cowing on with last bars 

of the vmsic, and leaning over the fence, holding ont tam- 

boicrhie for largess Giovanni Coi^ti follows her, and both 

are surrounded by a group of village gamins. Guests 

appear on balcony and veranda of hotel. '\ 

Ritta. \_Holding out tambourine^ Please Signors, please 
pretty Signorita remember la pouvra Italiano. 

O'Paff. Certainly my darling. 
O'Paff takes her tambourine and passes it ai'ound, and 

returns it to her. CoNTi seizes the money. Ritta seems 

delighted and surprised to see O'Ykyy, Conti sullen and 

afigry. 

Was I right, Mrs. Montague ? 

M7's. Montague. You were indeed. Mr O' Paff. The girl 
is as sweet and dainty as a violet. Do you think she would 
sing for us ? 

O'Paff. To be sure, that's what she's here for. Pll war- 
rant she'll not be troubled with the chronic cold that affects 
your professional vocalist upon all social occasions. \_Goes 
up to gate c] Come in dear. [Ritta hesitates frightened 
and looks to CoNTi for authority 7\ Come child you're among 
friends here, have no fear. 
[ Urges her in and dozuji c. Co^Ti follows zvith organ, chil- 

dre7i bringing 2ip rear.1 

The lady would like to hear you sing, dear. 

Mrs. Mo7itague. Yes, please oblige us. 

Ritta. I don't a know. \_Looks to Conti. 

Conti. Si, sing a de song for a de lady. 
Ritta sings, accompanied by Conti zvith the organ. All 

applaud. Ritta passes tambourine. Ladies 07i balco7iy 

d7'op coi7is dozv7i to her. She cic7isies to all. 



LOVE AND LAW. 1 9 

SONG. 
La Pouvra Italiano. 
Ai7' : La Donna Mobile — Rigolldto. 
Ritta. Far over land and sea 
Lies my sweet country, 
Where songs of melody, 

Ever are thrilling-, 
'Tho' bright skies ever shine, 
And flowers and vine entwine, 
Poverty there was mine, 

Each young life killing. 
^'America's welcome shore, 
/^'America's plenty store. 

Gives to the needy Italiano. 
Pouvra, Pouvra, Italiano, 

Pouvra Italiano. 
Ritta. \_As she takes money from each.'] I tank a you, I 
tank a you, vi ringrazio. [CoiiTifol/ozvs he?' with his eyes 
savagely, and when she approaches him siezes the money 
stealthily.] 

Mrs. Montague. She has an exquisite voice. My child — 
she really is but a child, who taught you ? 
Ritta. Taught a me ? 

Mrs. Montague. Yes who taught you to sing ? 
Ritta I don't a know. Who teach a de bird how to sing 
in de tree ? Who teach a de sun to shine ? de rain to fall ? 
De same a one teach a me. He teacha evera' one to sing 
in Italia. So fader Conti say. 

O' Paff. There's an answer full of native eloquence. 
Mrs. Montague. In what part of Italy were you born ? 
Ritta. I don't rememb'. 

Conti. \_Savagely, half aside ] Bugiardo ! Stupido. \_Fazun- 
ing and sniiling.] Ritta Neapolitan. 

O'Paff. Let the girl answer for herself. Were you born 
in Italy, dear. 

[KviTAfrightoicd looks at CoNTi. He froivning savagely.] 
Ritta. I don't a rememb'. 
OPaff. You have no remembrance of Italy. 
Ritta. \^Frightened.] No. 

Co7iti. [^Savagely, aside to Ritta] Piccolo bugiardo. [ You 
little liar. \ Vieni Sciocco. \_Conie azvay you fool.] \^Cringing 
and s?7iiling.] Buona Sera Signori, come a Ritta. 



20 LOVE AND LAW. 

Kitty enters from house zvildly ri7iging a large dinyier bell, 

and shouting " dhiner, dhmer," she makes a circtiit of the 

stage, ringing the bell and shouting and enters house still 

ringing. Guests all enter house. 

Mrs. Montagiie. Good bye, Ritta. \^Gives her hand^ You 
must come and sing for us often. 

Sir Randall. Here child. \_Gives her large coin.~\ Good 
bye, petite, come O'Paff. 

[ Gives his arm to Mrs. JMontagtie, they enter house. 

O'Paff. I'm with you. Remain here child and I'll send 
you out a bit of luncheon. \_Speaks. to her aside, Conti watch- 
ing savagely^ Here's my address child, if this man ill-treats 
you, report to me promptly. You are not afraid to trust me ? 

Ritta. Oh no, you are a de first a one to speak a kind to 
me. It a mak'a me a love you so. Vi ringrazio. 
\_Shaking his hand, kissing it and concealing card in her breast. 

O' Paff Wiping azuay a tear, a half comic cry.^ D n 

it what's the matter with me ? \ Hurries into house. 

Conti. \Siezes Ritta roughly^ Piccolo bugiardo. What 
a for a you say you never a was in Italia ? 

Ritta. Me not a say a so, Conti. 

Conti. Mentitore. [ You lie.'] What a for a you speak a 
de Americano ? you some a time meet a him. 

Ritta. No. Conti. I never a see a heem one time, only 
wid a you. 

Conti. You lie, beasta. Give a me a de mon. \_Snatches 
coin given her by Sir Randall, and rudely pushes her.] You 
try a deceive a me, I kill a you- You some a time see a de 
Americano alone. Voi pentirede. [ You shall repent^ 

Ritta. It isn't a true Conti. I swear a it by a de memory 
of a my a mother. 

Conti. Den what a make a heem give a you a de let ? 
Mee a see. Give a me de let. 

Ritta. You're a mistake. Dio ! abbia pieta di zuesta orfana. 
\^God have pity on the orphan?^ 

Conti. Miserabile impostare. What for a you a say you 
not rememb' Italia. I always tell a you what a say. You 
try a make a dem a tink you not my child. Confess a to a 
me de trut ? 

Ritta. I have a noting to confess. 

Conti. You lie, beasta. {^Seizing her roughly^ Give a 
me a de let, or I a kill a you. \_Savagely^ 



LOVE AND LAW. 21 

O'Paff appears in door of house R. Co^'W passes Ritta, 

over to L., leaving himself beiivecn O'Paff and Ritta. 

O'Paff. Stop! you black muzzled villian. Don't dare to 
lay the weight of a finger upon that child. You've had one 
taste of the law. The next time you'll not get off so easy. 

Conti. [^Cringing and smiling.^ Oh, you're a mistake, 1 
not a beat a my child. I love a my a child more a dan I 
love a my a self But some a time she not a mind a me, I 
a scold a her a little, no a more. De fader must a make a 
de child mind. 

O'Paff. Tell me, child, has this man been beating you ? 
[Ritta wants to speak but fears to do so. 

Conti. Me a beat a my a child ! Oh, Signor ! Ritta did 
I a beat a you ? \^Fau'ning^ 

O' Paff. Silence you blackguard, and let the child speak for 
herself Look up, child, you are in a land now where the 
law will protect you, even against your own father. Has he 
been abusing you again ? 

[Ritta wants to speak, but Conti is glai-ing at her sav- 
age/y.'] 

Pitta. {Sti//e7ilj/.'\ No. 

Conti. You see a Signor, you was a mistake. Come a 
Ritta, we must a go a home. 

\_They pass up c, Ritta looking longiyigly at O'Paff, he 
presses her hand assuringly.^ 

O'Paff. You know where to find me when you want a 
friend or protector. 

\^She kisses his hand, Conti takes her by the hand. 

Coyiti. Come a Ritta. Buono Sera Signor. Vieni Stupido. 
\_Comeaway,fool.'\ lo lo detesto. \ I hate him. ^ 

\^They exit through gate and off, Ritta looking back 
longingly, Conti savagely^ 

O'Paff. I'm not quite sure that I'm doing right in letting 
the girl continue with the old scoundrel. But I'll keep a 
close eye on him from this time forward. I don't know 
what the devil has made me take such an interest in that 
child. 

Enter Hoffmeier at back, looks after Conti as he comes 

down. 

O'Paff. Hello ! Hoffmeier, what brings you over here ? 

Hoffmeier. Oh, several tings, but principally I'm piping 
off your old friend, Conti, dere. 



22 LOVE AND LAW. 

O'Paff. What have you learned about him since I saw 
you ? 

Hoffmeier. Veil I haf learned dot he lives in a den in 
Crosby street, and have learned enough to make me dink de 
place is a fence 

aPaff. A what? 

Hoffmeier. A fence ; receiver of stolen goods. 

a Faff. Oh, I see 

Hoffmeier. Und dis organ grinding bisness is only a blind 
for somding else. 

O'Paff. But what did you learn about his record here ? 

Hoffmeier. He came here three years ago von London. 

O Paff. Did the girl come with him ? 

Hoffmeier. Yah, und registered at Castle Garden as his 
child. 

O' Paff. But there was no mother registered at the time? 

Hoffmeier. No. There's an old crone called Mother Rosa, 
who keeps the den in Crosby street for him while he vas 
away, bud she has only been there aboud six months. The 
place is a kind of a resort for suspicious characters, such as 
sneak thieves. 

O'Paff. I think we have capital enough to start on. 

Hoffmeier. I'm going to make a round of some ofdem 
Crosby and Baxter street dens dis evening. Vould you 
like to go along ? 

OPaff. I would, as a student. 

Hoffmeier. Der may be some cutting und slashing. 

O Paff. All the more interesting. I'm with you. 

Hoffmeier. Veil you can leave here mit de sefen o'clock 
boad, und I vill meet you by de Metrepolitan Hodel. 

O'Paff. All right, Hoffmeier. I'll be there at nine o'clock, 
sharp. Excuse me old boy, but I -left my friends at dinner. 

\_Exit O'Paff into house. 

Hoffmeier. Oh, dots all right. I thought dis place vould 
suid O'Paff, ven I dold him aboud it. I'll yust slip down 
around de vater pond, und see if I can get my eye on dot 
English tief \_Music. Exit Hoffmeier, l. i. e. 

Enter Jimmie Nipper at back, sneaking, peering about 

cautiously . 

Jim. H'all h'pf the swells h'is h'at dinner now h'i guess. 
\_Looks in at door, then looks i)i through gauze tvindozv facing 
audience, then goes up at back of house.'] I 'opes as 'ow 



LOVE AND LAW. 23 

there ar'nt no dogs 'ere, for I 'ates dogs, I does. Dogs 'an 
me 'as a naterel h'antipathy. \^Looking off r.] Vy there's 
a vindow 'open, h"it must go h'in to a bed-room. \^Looks 
abo2d.'] Not a blooming' soul in sight, so 'ere goes. 

yExii off behind house R., music stops. 

Enter Sk\m\'EK from house, tipsy, napkiji tinder chin, etc., etc.- 

Saivyer. O'PafF's a brick, hie, very glad I didn't leave 
to-day as I intended, hie, it's astonishing how that lobster 
salad affects me, hie, always did, hie. I could'nt stand it 
in there any longer, hie. What with that jolly Irishman's 
reminiscences, and the beautiful widow's champagne, hie, 
— no I mean the widow's beautiful cham, hie, pagne, — 
no, I was right before, hie — the beautiful widow's cham, hie, 
she is a beauty. Dear me, hie, it is astonishing about that 
hie, salad, must have been some new kind of oil in it, hie, it, 
I'm very weary, hie. \_Drops into rustic seat under window 
of house.^ I like that Irishman, hie, when my old partner 
Flint retires next year, hie, damme if I don't take O'Paff in 
as a full partner. The firm needs some young blood. 
\^Dosinir off.'] Irish blood, hie, \_Yazv7is.~\ I think I'll take 
a quiet forty winks. 

Cnrls up on bench. Ahisic htirry, low at first to sivell forte 
zt'ith action to end act. Screams heard in ho7ise, cries of 
''thief," ''robbers,'' " 7nurder," ' biirglars,'' etc., etc. 
Guests rush out as if from dinner, with napkins, etc., 
etc. A terrific glass crash, then working crash, and 
Jimmy Nipper t^/V^- through the gauze windozv, falling 
over Sawyer on the bench. A large bull-dog is hanging 
to the seat of finis pantaloons, his coat is ripped up the 
back, a fright wig on, fini is yelling, the dog flying in 
the air behind him as he runs. Sawyer gathers himself 
up. jMrs. Tarbox and Kitty get to c. of stage Mrs. 
Tarbox r ajid Kitty l. c. Sir Randall ajid Helen 
on veranda, other guests filling the stage. Mr. Crane 
rushes out to L. coR. O'Paff, napkin under chi?i 
rushes to c. just as Nipper rushes out. The dog ha?ig- 
ing 10 Jim knocks Kitty ajid Mrs. Tarbox so that they 
fall into O'Paff's arms, one on each side. Ring 

On This Situation. 



24 love and law. 

Encore. 

Sawyer, r., Crane, l., both laughing at O'Paff with the 
two women. O'Paff gives them both a bounce, throwing 
Mrs. Tarbox ijito Sawyer's arms, and Kitty i7itc 
Crane's. Music hurry continues. O'Paff starts up c. 
Jim with dog hanging to him riishes on L. i. ¥.., yelling, 
followed by Hoffmeier. They riish up and off Q., the 
dog hitting O'Paff, he drops into seat R. c, back. A 
" dude'' fellozv and a lady are coming down c. just in 
time to meet ]iM, the lady is knocked into O'Paff's lap, 
and the " dude'" falls across hammock. Screaming and 
general confusion, kept up tintil cut tain falls on last 
pictiire. Sawyer struggling to hold up Mrs. Tarbox, 
Crane same with Kitty, both kicking and screaming 
Music forte. 

CURTAIN. 



LOVE AND LAW. 25 



ACT 11. 

Scene. — The cellar of Giovanni Conti in Crosby Street, 
N^cii' York. A stone cellar, entrance door in tipper part 
of flat L. , landing in front of door, stairway leading from 
landing to c. of stage, with turn so that last tivo steps face 
audience, strong railing on landing and staii^case, tipper 
door must open doivn stage towards L, door U7ider landing. 
\practical^ Set fireplace R. 3 E., with mantel, on which is 
statuette of Virgin, above matifel. a small panel \_painted in 
to match scene, \ hinged to opeji dozen, resting on mantel, to 
open during business of scene, {^supposed to be receptacle for 
stolen goods~\ . In upper part of R. flat, small semi-circular 
grated zvindoiv painted in, loiver part of flat an alcove or 
vault painted as if running tinder sidewalk, zvith old bar- 
rels, junk, Qfc. Fire bunting in fire-place, table R., stool 
and commo7i chair, small bar at back ivith glasses, bottles, 
&c., pitcher on bar, rough benches arotind stage, stool L., 
lots of rags on stage R. \^Rosa discovered^ 

Rosa. \_An old Italian crone assorting rags, R.] La Bella 
Signoritta, quando si returno ? All de day in de street, all 
de night in de dark room to sleep. Poor Ritta ! she too 
pretty, too good for dis place, too good a fore dese people. 
She come a to no good here. Conti villano ? no keep a 
promise wid Rosa, bring a me here to watch Ritta when he 
go away- Promise me a every ting, give a me noting, and 
treat a me like a slave. Ah Sacrista ! I have a one time a 
little child myself, she die and leave a poor old Rosa alone, 
long a time ago. But some a time when I look at Ritta, I 
seem a too see de face of my own innocent child, dead I 
dead ! dead ! Ah Sacrista ! me a so tired, so tired. \She 
starts as Cockney Jim appears upon platform i^.fiat^ Who 
come a dare? \_Recognizes ]iu.~\ Ah! is dat a you, Jim? 

fim. [^Comi?ig down steps. ^ Vy incorse it is, who did you 
think it vas, the Lord Mayor ? Bon sour, old mother Rosa, 
vitch means hTm glad to get home. [ Throughout scene Jim 
quietly conveys the idea that he is rather sore from the effect 
of the bull-dog incidetit at end of previous act, using great 
care to avoid vulgarity ] Vere's old Conti and the pretty 
kid? 



26 LOVE AND LAW. 

Rosa. Not a come a home yet. 

Jim. Vat, not g'Ot back from 'is tower hinto the country 
for 'is 'ealth, veil, 'e h'is a goin' of it. 

Rosa. Take a chair, Jim, sit a down, resta. 

Jim Vot ? 

Rosa. Take a de chair. 

Jitn. \_Makes motio?i as though to sit down, then stops sud- 
denly ] No thank you, old voman, hi prefers to stand, hi 
can digest my wittals better. Hi say, is there anyone 'ere 
\_Afysterioiis/y^ 

Rosa. No, me alone all de day, all de night. [^Eagerly. ~\ 
You have a someting to sell ? 

Jiiu- Vy incorse I'av. Vot do you suppose I was a doin' 
of all this time, travelling for my 'ealth ? 

Rosa. Nobody will a come, [^eageriy^ quick a Jim, what 
have a you got ? 

Jim. Now don't get havoricious old voman, vait. \^Goes 
to sit,J7i7nps 7ip, then very careftilly sits on back of chair, his 
feet on the seat^ Now then, old voman, what do you say to 
that pair o' shoes ? As I vas a passin' a shoe store, a daug 
flew at my calf, hi set another daug to fight with 'im and vile 
the boy vas a partin' of 'em, I borrowed these for my trouble. 
'Ere's a seal-skin cap made of wool as was growed on the 
back of the royal helephant of Siam. 

Rosa. \_Eagerly.^ You have a someting more ? 

Jim. Vy incoorse, 'ere's a nobby locket and chain as I 
borrowed from a blessed baby as was playin' on a stoop with 
it, poor little think, it broke my 'eart to do it, and it a lookin' 
at me so hinnocent like, but hi know if hi didn't take it, some 
bloomin' willian would come along and steal it, and the 
blessed hinfant would get walloped for losin' it. 'Ere ve are 
again, as they say at the show, ha dozen solid silver spoons, 
as vos presented to me by a lady on Staten Hisland. She 
vas agoin' to give me the rest of the set, but I 'adn't time to 
vait- 

Rosa. You have a something more ? 

Jim. 'Av I? h'aint I? I've been busy to day. \_PulIs 
silk handkerchiefs fro7n his neck, sleeves, pants-legs, &c., 
about ten or a dozen in all^ Silk vipes as was made from 
lambs as vos exported from H 'Africa, Ten dollars for the 
lot. 

Rosa. Oh, no ! no ! no! No good a silk, very bad, tree 
doll for all, dare. \_Gives coin.'\ 



LOVE AND LAW. 27 

Jim. Vot, three dollars ! Veil this is the most ungrate- 
fiilest vorld I vos ever in. Vy the shoes is vorth more alone. 
The man as made em lived with 'is mother, and didn't ]-)ay 
no board, or hi couldn't sell em for quarter hof the money. 

Rosa. A you rob a poor old Rosa, dere tak a de tree doll. 

Jhn. Veil, 'ere's honreasonableness. Takin' adwantap;-e of 
a poor little horfan as haint got no father nor no mother. 
There aint no encouragement for business henterprise. It 
almost tempts me to turn honest. Well, shell out. 

Rosa. Good boy, Jim. Bona! Bona! you shall have a 
some a wine wid a Rosa. 

Jim. Hexcuse me. Hi haint ready to commit susanside 
yet, ven I ham, hi'll drink some of your wine. Give me the 
pitcher old voman, and hi'll gee some beer ; beer's 'olesome, 
vine aint, leastwise not your brand \_She hands hhn stone- 
pitcher^ 

Rosa. \_ChnckIing7\ Aha ! Jim too much a particular. 

Jim. \_Going up steps.'] Praps I his, praps I hisn't. But 
hi hobjects to bein' pizened vith either wittals or my drinkin'. 

\_Exit]iM off door i^.Jlat. 

Music. — Rosa looks hurriedly around, theyi goes to mantel- 
piece R. 3 E. , removes images, crucifix, &c.J?'om mantel, 
touches spring, and stone over jnantel Jails down or re- 
volves, shozving a receptacle into zvhich she places the stolen 
articles ; then replaces images, ^c. on mantel as bejore, 
ajter touching spring and returyiing panel to its place. 

Rosa. \_Gloating^ Aha ! no policeman can find him dere. 
Aha ! Rosa no fool ; all a safe a now ; all a safe a now. 

Mvsic.—Enter onto platjorm KittkJoI lowed by Conti zaith 
his orga7i, he pjishes her bejore him into roovi, and down 
the stairs, following her savagely. Ritta down L. c, 
Conti places organ at back. 

Conti. {Savagely^ So you wont a come home, hey ? 
Bestia ! You don't a rememb' Italy, hey ? You shall re- 
pent. 

Ritta. I have a noting to repent. What for you treat a 
me so to-day ? I do no wrong. I tell a no story. I give 
a you all de mon. 

Conti. You lie, beasta ! you speak a someting secret wid 
de Americano, den you refuse a tell a me, den you talk of 
run away. 



28 LOVE AND LAW. 

Ritta. I work a for you all de day in de street, and get 
hungry and tirsty, and never complain one time, den you 
beat a me and bring a me to dis miserable den, to sleep on 
de floor among a de rags and eat like a de dog in de street. 
You cannot be my father, or you would love a me, and not 
treat a me so. 

Conti. \_Savagely?^ Sacra Madonna ! [ Threatening her.~\ 
Lasciate questa camera ! \_Leave the roo7n.'\ Do me not 
carry de org all de day ? You have a only to sing a de 
song, and get a de compliment from a de lady and de gen- 
tleman. I treat a you too kind, don't me buy you de fine 
clothes to wear, and me wear de old a won ? via. 

Ritta. And why do you buy me de fine dress ? Dat I may 
please de eye of de Signori, dat I may listen to dere insults, 
and den bring you de price. O, my Mother, whose love I 
have never known, look a down in pity on your a poor child, 
whose heart is so sick to-night. 

Conti. Go to your room for de present. Dis night before 
you sleep, I will have understand wid you- 

[Conti sits angrily at tabic R. c. 

Rata. l^Aside.^ Miserabile Impostare ! I am a determine. 
Voglio essere libero. \^I will be free ^ \^Looking at O' Raff's 
card.'} I have de card of de brave Signore, when Jim comes 
home he shall take it for me ; Jim has good a heart, he will 
a befriend a me. I never come a back again. 

l^Rxit door lender stairzvay l. 

Conti. '[At table, aside.} Avro vendetta. Ritta getting 
too old for me to trust alone, some a day she leave a me, 
den my plot and plan I lay so well for all a dese a year, 
come to noting, and now just when /le has a come back, 
and I can begin a to play my card for de great property, 
s/ie, who is to bring a me all, begin to rebel, and talk of 
leave me. Sacramento ! She must go on de street no 
more, dis night I conquer her. 

Rosa. \_Rlacing wine and glass on tabled} Giovanni you 
come a home late to night. What was a de mat wid Ritta ? 

Conti. She talk about a leave a me, about a run away. 
Aha, bestia ! I kill her when she try to run away. 

Rosa. \^^4.sidc.} Poor Ritta. 

Conti. \_Asidc.} She shall not a leave me now, just when 
de time has come dat she can make a me rich, rich, rich, 
like a de lord. 

Rosa. {^Ragerly.} Ritta can make Conti rich ; how ? 



LOVE AND LAW. 29 

ConH. {^SavagclV', pushing her away-l Not a your a 
business. Vui de gui. \_S/a//d aside. ^ Stupido. 

Rosa. \_Aside.'\ Sacrista ! He treat me like a de dog", 
lo lo detesto. \_I hate hini.^ Some a day he be sorry villauo. 

Cockney Jim enters singing, Conti starts. 

Conti. \ Starting^ Who's a dare ? 
Rosa. Only Jim, he bring a some a beer. 

Jim comes down steps zvith beer, singing "^ Pitcher of Beer^' 
puts it on table zvith last note of song. 

fini. \_Slapping Conti on back.~\ Vot, my rummy old pal, 
back from your provincial tower, lots of luck, I 'ope ? 
Conti. \_S7illenlv^ No, not a much, bad a business. 

fim. Just the same vith me. 
Conti. Take a de chair, sit a down. 

fim. Vot? 
Conti. Take a de seat. 

fim. No, thank you, hi prefers to stand hup and grow. 
Old voman give hus some crystals. [Rosa brings dozvn 
tumblers and places them on table. ]\M.flls one which Rosa 
quickly takes and drinks^ Twig the old lady, aint she 
hartlul. \_Fills other glass for Co'UTi, being 7ione for him- 
self, takes the pitcher.'\ Ere's success to honest henterprise, 
hall the vorld hover, says I. \_D rinks from pitcher, CoNTi 
from glass. 

Conti. Jim, I see to-day, an old friend of yours, who you 
tink a ? 

fim. A hold friend of mine, not the Prince of Vales, I 
'opes, for hif Albert should come to New York without 
a sendin' me 'is card, hi should feel 'urt. 

Conti. No, not from London, but from Australia, from 
Swan a River. [Rosa at back listening eagerly. 

fi?n. Vot, from Haustralia ? Aside to Conti.] Hi say old 
man, before ve get onto Swan River and Haustralia, don't 
you think the hold woman 'ad better retire ? 

Conti. Si Rosa ! Leave a de room. Go keep a Ritta 
company. Lasciate questo luogo. \^Leave the place:'\ Via ! 
beasta ! 

Rosa, [x to L., aside.'] Cosa sara I'intenzione. [ What are 
they np to^ He mean a some mischief to Ritta, he shall not 
harm her, he shall kill old Rosa first. Villano ! lo lo 



30 LOVE AND I. AW. 

detesto ! \^I hate him7\ Rosa will a watch. Pouvra Ritta ! 
you have a ove friend, old a Rosa, old a Rosa. 

\_Exit Rosa in door zindo' stairway I.. 
Conti. \_Aside.~\ Old a hag^ ! I believe a she would a 
betray me too, if she knew the truth. 

Jim x's to bozv Rosa off at end of her speech, x's to r. of table. 
Bus. of sitting down and jumping tip qiiickly with '' oh\^' 

Conti. What for a you jump ? 

fim. Nothink. [Aside.] Oh, but I 'ates daugs. [Fixes 
himself on extreme corner of chair. '\ Now then, Conti, fire 
away, who vas it? 

Conti. Do you remember the great London crook, Jasper 
Craddock ? 

fim. Vot? Do I remember " Gentleman Jasper "? Veil 
don't hi? Many's the crib I've helped 'im to crack. Vy 
vots he a doin' 'ere ? He had five years to serve ven I left. 

Conti. He escape tree years before his time. 

fim. Veil I'm blowed ! 'Ere's a go ! Vere is he? 

Conti. Oh, he live a in a great style. Hotel Brunswick. 

fim. Veil that's just like the Captain. He always vas an 
airy cove, but he vos a hartist in his business, and halways 
square vith his pals. 

Conti. He come a here to-night to see a you. 

fim Coming to see me ? Veil 'ere's a condescension, hi 
suppose hi shall 'ave to dine with 'im to-morrow hat the 
Brunswick. Hi say, Conti, if I vos you, I vould keep Ritta 
out of 'is sight, the Captain was always nutty on pretty gals. 

Conti. [Qnickly.~\ He never see her, he never shall, 
[Aside'] until a de proper time, [Aloud.'] and don't a you 
dare a to mention her name in his presence. [Slaps table 
savagely. Jim, who has the pitcher to his mouth drinking, 
jumps, spitting out beer, then drops back into chair ayid 
jumps up quickly again. 

fim. 'Ere! Vots the use of frightening a feller that vay? 
I shant say a vord, of course I shant. [Aside.] And I'll take 
precious good care that she gets hout hov the reach of both 
hof 'em afore many days, even if I have to blow on the old 
fence and turn honest. 

During foregoing scene, Rosa has shown her face at door 
about tiuice, listening. 



LOVE AND LAW. 3I 

Conti. Hush ! Some a one come. \^Enter Jasper Crad- 
DOCK.] It is a de Captain. [Craddock has on a disguise 
beard, large conwion over-coat, closely buttoned, soft hatptdled 
doivn over face. '\ 

Jasper. \_In an assumed voice and manner 7^ My good 
fellow would you oblige me with a light? Why, what a 
curious place. \_SigniJicatitly.'\ Is it empty? 

Conti. Si, empty as a de egg-shell, no policeman near. 

Jasper. \^Coming down c] Good, glad to hear it, but your 
friend ? 

Jim. [x'g to him c] Vy Capting, this his a hunexpected 
pleasure. [ They shake hands. '\ 

Jasper. What, Jim ! my young pal, it is you, and Conti 
was not lying to me. \_He revioves his beard and throws 
open his coat, revealing an elegant toilet beneath, clothes in 
latest fashion, rather loud display oj jewelry, diamonds, &c. 

Jim. Capting, if I'd a knowed as you was a comin', I 
would 'av 'ad my wally de chamber meet you hat the dock 
vith my family carriage. Come, Capting, 'ave some beer. 

Jasper. The smell of the place is bad enough, without 
adding the fumes of stale beer. I say, Conti, why don't you 
keep the place clean, bad smells and dirt are not necessary 
to safety. 

Conti. [x'g to L. taking seat.l De place is all a right, good 
enough for me, good enough for my company. 

Jasper. Good enough for you, no doubt, but i haven't 
been used to it. 

Jim. Veil, aint you a going of it. Hi say, Capting, ve 
didn't 'ave such bloomin' fine quarters in Swan River, and 
vouldn't ve have given our heyes for a glass of beer or 
Shandy Gaff, there. . 

Jasper. Stow that, Jim. It consumed twelve of the best 
years of my life, and I never want to hear the accursed place 
mentioned again. 

Jim. Hall right, Capting, hi don't mean to 'arrow hup 
hunpleasant memories. 

Jasper. Jim, I want five minutes talk with Conti, here, iust 
stand outside and give us the tip for safety, that's a good 
fellow. 

Jim \_Going up steps."] Hall serene, I'll pipe hoff the cops 
vile you chin old maccaroni, but don't keep me long, 
because my family physician says as 'ow I musn't stand in 
the draft. 



32 LOVE AND LAW. 

Exit Jim door 7ip l., Craddock sits on table r., Conti 
seated on stool L. 

Jasper. Well, Mr. Conti. 
Conti. Well, Mr. Craddock. 

Jasper. We meet again. 

Conti. Noting very strange in dat. People a meet a ever 
a day. Me never a trouble you 

Jasper. Possibly not, but my own mind troubles me. 
Conti. What I got a to do wid your a mind. 

Jasper. Everything. It is in your power to relieve it. 
Conti. Well, what you want a wid me? 

Jasper I want an assurance that you have kept faith with 
me. 

Conti. Don't I always keep a fait wid my friend ? 

Jasper. Oh, see here, Conti, what's the use beating about 
the bush ? You know what I want to get at. 

Conti. May be so, may be not. 

Jasper. Well then, to make sure, I'll freshen your mem- 
ory. Twelve years ago in London, a rich old man disin- 
herited his heir, settling a great fortune on his grand-child, 
in trust to her invalid mother. The old man died, a month 
later, the child one evening strayed from its nurse, and all 
search for her proved vain. The invalid mother survived 
the loss of her child but a few weeks, and then malicious 
tongues whispered abroad that the disinherited brother had 
caused the abduction or death of the child, realizing that 
with father, sister, and niece removed, the property must 
revert to him. Are these incidents familiar to you ? 

Conti. It seem a to me, I here some a ting like it. 

Jasf>er. Oh, indeed. But no evidence could be brought 
to bear to connect him with the abduction. He was about 
to lay claim to his father's estates, when his name unfortun- 
ately got mixed up with others in a large diamond robbery, 
and with but scant time for preparation he started upon a 
fifteen years visit to Australia. 

Conti. Si. he travel for de benefit of his constitution. 

Jasper. Exactly. He left his place of recreation some 
three years earlier than was expected of him, and came to 
New York, where he found an old companion, and said to 
him : " Paulo Viotti, I am about to invoke the law to secure 
my father's estates in England. Twelve years ago I gave 
you one hundred pounds to effectually remove an obstacle 



^1 



LOVE AND LAW. 33 

from my path. Before I could receive your assurance that 
ycHir work was done, the arm of the law separated us. I 
now seek the assurance tiiat you have kept faith with me, 
that there is no living obstacle between me and my hopes. 

Conti. You tink de Italiano betray his friend, he answcr 
you, no, [x'g- to Jasper.] he do his work a well. Could de 
bottom of de river Thames speak aloud, it would tell a you 
dat Viotti keep a his promise to his a friend. \_They shake 
hands.'] 

yaspcr. \_Relieved.'\ Good ! I felt confident that all was 
clear before me, but I wanted the assurance from your own lips. 

Conti. Now you are a satisfy ? 

yaspcr. Yes, now I am satisfied. \_Going r.] 

Conti. \_Aside^ Some people easy satisfy. {^Going l] 

yaspcr. \_Ex2dtingIy-] To morrow 1 shall employ counsel 
to communicate with London agents, and set the train in 
motion, that is to roll back to me freighted with millions. 
And once I lay my hands upon my father's estates, with the 
chink of my gold, I'll silence the tongues that hint at mis- 
chief, and with the flash of my diamonds, I'll dazzle the eyes 
that would scan the pages of the past. 

Conti. \_Asidc l.] Oh, he be a great a man ! great a man ! 
may be ; what will a Conti be ? 

yasper. In the meantime I must live, and as usual, I must 
live like a gentleman, which means I must do a little of the 
old business until the tide turns. I have spotted a place 
that I think will yield something handsome. Are you with 
me ? 

Conti. Always ready to make a honest penny. 

yasper. I thought so. [ Whistles a signal.] 

Jim enters. 

yim. \_Coming doivyi.] 'Ere we are Capting. 

yaspcr. Well, Jim, old pard ! Are you game in a little 
business enterprise ? 

yint. Vy, Capting, I shall honly be too proud to renew 
our business relations. 

yasper. I have a job to-morrow night, a little way out of 
town. 

yini. And you want me to vork the old vinder racket I 
suppose ? 

yasper. Yes. 



34 LOVE AND LAW. 

yim. Hi 'opes its night vork, Guv'nor ? 

yasper. Yes, its night work. • 

yim. I 'opes they aint got no daugs- 

yasper. Conti, have you got a good set of Safe tools ? 

Conii. Si, de best in de market always on hand. 

yasper. Then no more for the present. You two be at 
the junction of Eighth avenue and Broadway at ten o'clock 
to-morrow night, and I'll pick you up in my buggy. \^Puts 
on his beard, bidtoyis coat, &c.^ 

yim. Hi say, Capting give us a couple of car tickets — 
Buggy riding makes our feet sore. 

yasper. \^La2ighs and throzvs coi^i on table. 'YY^v&x^. \^Sta7'ts 
up steps, old Rosa is seen to peep out of door, Conti sees her 
and expresses anger in pantonmie.'\ Now don't forget the 
tools, and ten sharp. 

Music. — Craddock is abont three steps up, Hoffmeier 
appears in door in full unifoj'm. 

yasper. \_Assiimed manner^ Oh, might I trouble you for 
a light, Mr. — Mr.— 

Conti. \_Handing him match.~\ Conti, my name a Conti. 
[returns to seat a^id commences counting over his pennies. 
Jim, upon Hoffmeier s entrance, pulls out a little pamphlet, 
and appears absorbed in reading, at table R.] 

yasper. Oh, officer, making your rounds, eh ? What 
filthy dens these Italians live in to be sure. I dropped in to 
light my cigar, but the stench nearly overpowered me. 
[They are both now on platform.~\ Good evening, Mr. — 
Mr.— 

Hoffmeier. [Stiffly ] Hoffiiieier, Ferdinand Hoffiiieier. 

yasper. Oh, yes ; good evening, Mr. Hoffmeier. 

[Exit Craddock. 

Hoffmeier. [ Coi7iin<^ down looking after Craddock^ That's 
an odd fish for these waters. I bet he's a crook. Well he's 
a stranger anyhow. [Saunters quietly down beJmid Conti.] 
Ah, good evening, Mr. Conti. 

Conti. Buona Sera. 

Hoffmeier. Business good to-day? 

Conti. No, Signore, bad a business, bad a business. 
[Aside.'\ Sacra maladetta. [Sees Rose listening^ The old 
hag ! She play de spy on me, sacrista. 

Hoffmeier. [Saunters quietly about room, approaches door 
tinder stairs, which closes, saunters over to mantel R., looks at 



LOVE AND LAW. 35 

figures on mantel. All very quiet, old Rosa's face is seen 
watching him as he approaches mantel, CoNTi also savagely 
observing him. Drops down to table r., at which Jim is 
seated, stands behind table, looks at him.'] Well, young man ! 

yi)n. Go avay, please, can't you see hi'm a studying my 
Sunday-school verses. \^Dives into his book.] 

Hoffmeier. [^Aside.] They're a sharp lot. No matter how 
suddenly I drop in on them, there's never any sign of stolen 
goods. Good evening, Mr. Conti. 

Conti. Buona notte. Beasta ! 

Jim. Bonie sour. \_Aside^ 'Ow I 'ates cops. 

Hoffmeier. [At door.] I wonder where the girl is ? \_£xit. 

yim. Whew ! 'ow I 'ates folks as comes a snooping around 
makin, a feller 'old 'is blooming breath for 'alf an 'our. 
Blest if I musn't 'ave a snooze after that. 

Conti. \^Aside, seeing Kosx's face at door.] Dat old dia- 
bolo ! she listen yet, I kill her. 

fim. \^Pnlls table 7(p back R., and places chair on it for 
pillotv, a7id climbs onto it.] Hi say, Conti, Susan forgot to 
put the shams on my pillows. 

Music — RosAfiuts her head through door, Conti is watching, 

Conti. Sacra Madonna ! [^Rushes up and drags Rosa out 
and throws her into L. coj-ner?^ \_Savagely.] What lor you 
listen all de time at de door ? What for you play the spy ? 

Rosa. Rosa not a play de spy. 

Conti. Bugiardo. 

Rosa. No, Rosa not a lie, me only watch for a de property 
dere, \_points to mantel^ me no spy Conti. 

Conti. Miserable liar! You betray me ! 

Rosa. No, no ; me not a betray you. {^She's close to him 
on this speech.] 

Conti. Bugiardo ! \_Strikes her in the face, she falls L., he 
turns R., grabs chair and is in act of rushing upon her wheti 
RiTTA rzins between them.] Picture. 

Ritta. Stop! Conti, stand a back. [RosA^ra^^j- Ritta's 
ha7id aiid kisses it. ] 

Rosa. [Aside savagely.] He strike a me, like a dog ! 
Avra Vendetta ! I have a revenge, I have a revenge. 
[Rosa x's up back, goes 7ip r. to bar. Jim is now up looking 
on.] 

Conti- You play de spy too, you listen at de door ? 

Ritta. No, me not a listen. 

Co7iti. How dare you stop a me ? 



36 LOVE AND LAW. 

Ritia. I dare, because only a miserable coward would 
strike a woman. 

Conti. Leave a de room. 

Ritta. I will not leave a de room. 

Conti. Sacramento ! Piccolo villanno ! \_Little villiaii] You 
dare to brave a me ? 

Ritta. Yes, I dare to brave a you, 

Conti, tvith an aiigry gestiu'e, turns, going tip R., removing 
his coat as though for a strtiggle, Rosa in action e^itreats 
him , he repidses her angrily, still working at coat, she half 
hanging onto him. This action is kept tuitil he receives 
cue to strike her. 

fim. \^Who is part zvay up stairs, runs dozvn to Ritta's 
side.'\ [Aside quickly^ Can I do anything for you, young 
fellar ? 

Ritta. Oh yes Jim [gives O' Pajf s card~\ tell him to 
come. 

fitn. I'd die for you little feller, but don't give me away. 

Ritta. No, no ! I pray for you. 

Jim j'uns tip steps. Conti hits Rosa and knocks her down, 
then seizes her and drags her over R and throzcs her into 
room under stairs, closing door. All done very rapidly, 
turns savagely on Ritta. 

Conti. Now I break a your spirit, or I break a your neck. 
[Jim is now just passijig out the door ] Jim, lock a de door, 
and give a me de key. 

ytm. Hexcuse me my noble maccaroni chewer, this is a 
family quarrel, and I don't want to be either a witness or a 
participitater. [Exit]Wi, closing door. 

Conti, r. c. Ritta, l. r. 

Conti. Now you go into dat room, and stay till I call, via ! 

Ritta. I will not enter dat miserable den again. 

Conti. Den I settle wid you now. I know de Americano 
give you let, me see you put it in your breast. Give a me. 

Ritta. It is not true Conti, I have no let. 

Conti. You lie beasta, I make a you tell a me de truth or 
me kill a you. 

Rtishes at her, Ritta draws stiletto and stands on pictxire. 



LOVE AND LAW. 37 

Riiia. Stand back Conti. \_pa7(sc?\ Me bear a your cruelty 
no longer. 

Conti. Me not cruel, me treat you kind and you try to 
deceive, to betray me, to have a de secret meeting wid de 
Americano. 

Ritta. You are miserable liar. When I was little child, I 
work for you all de day, and all de night, and you starve 
and beat a me, and I bear it all for I know no better. Ritta 
is woman now, and I be your slave no more. [Conti springs 
at her.~\ Stop Conti, or me a strike ! 

Conti. Sacra maladetta ! You would not dare to use de 
weapon on your own father. 

Ritta. You are not my father. 

Conti. Who tell you dat ? 

Riita. My own heart tell me. 

Conti. Den your heart a lie. 

Ritta. No the voice of nature cannot lie. 

Conti. Your fadder command a you drop a de stiletto. 

Ritta. No, you go your a way, I go mine. Do not try to 
prevent a me. You teach a me de use of dis weapon to de- 
fend my honor, try to stop me now, you shall see I learn 
your lesson well. 

Conti is dozen r. Ritta c backing up tozvard steps. 

Conti. \_C/ianging manner' and stealthily gathering up 
bla^ikct on floor by his side.l Why Ritta, your fadder would 
not a hurt a you. \crawling zip on hej:'\ Me speak only for 
your good. 

He throws blanket over her head and seizes her roughly, 
gets stiletto and throzvs her dozen into R corner, standing on 
pictitre, betzveen Ritta and stairzuay. 

Conti Now we see which is de stronger, your will or mine. 
[Ritta starts up^ Stand a where you are. First I lock a 
de door. [Conti, starts 7ip steps 

Ritta. Yes lock a de door ! The God of de orphan will 
protect me. 

Conti. \_Riinning 7ip steps.'] We shall see, we shall see. 

\^As he reaches the door it is throzv7i open and O'Paff con- 
fronts him. Picture. Conti shrinking back over stair- 
railing. O'Paff has his overcoat on his arm. 

Ritta. \^Down r, kneeling.'] Heaven has sent an angel 
to me. 



3« 



LOVE AND LAW. 



CoNTi backs stealthily down into room followed by O'Paff. 
As CoNTi reaches c. R. , Ritta tries to rush by him, he seizes 
her by the throat and forces her doiv7i at his feet R., standing 
knife in hand between Ritta and O'Paff O'Paff is on 
the third step. 

Conti. {^Savagely. '\ What you want a here ? 

O' Paff, Speak child, do you want to leave this place? 

Ritta. \_l77iploringly.~\ Oh yes take a me away from dis 
place, take a me away from dis man. 

O' Paf. Mr. Conti, I'll trouble you for that young woman. 

Conti. And I trouble you to leave dis place, dis is a my 
house, dis is my child, dis is her home. You have a no right 
to trespass. You put your foot on dat floor, and I kill a you 
like I kill a dog. \^He stands with knife hi left hand, holding 
Ritta at his feet, with right hand dt her throat, o7i the words 
''^ kill a dog,'" Ritta bites his hajid, he turns quickly with a c/y 
of pain, flw^ O'Paff o7t the i7ista7it throws his overcoat over 
Conti 's head, a7id ju77ips o7ito ///';« like a tiger. 

O'Paff. Quick, Ritta ; run for your life. [Ritta i^ims up 
steps.~\ \^St7'uggli7^g.^ Drop that knife you murderin' villian, 
or I'll strangle you first and kill you afterwards. 

O'Paff throtvs Conti into r. corner, and runs up steps, 
Conti gathers hi77iself qzdckly a7id rushes after hi7n. 
O'Paff is about three steps up whe7i Conti 7'eaches foot 
of steps. O'Paff deals hi77i a terrible blow full i/i the face. 
Conti spi)is 7'ou7id like a top, a7id fall at fill le7igth r., 
near footlights. At sa77ie 7no77ie7it, Hoffmeier appears 
hi door, receivi7ig Ritta. O'Paff slowly asce7idi7ig 
stairs. 

CURTAIN. 



Encore Picture, 



Conti is tip a7id sta7idi7ig R. 07i picture of baffled rage. 
Hoff77ieier half-way dow7i stairs with club upraised. 
O'^ KYY passhig out door with Ritta. 



LOVE AND LAW. 39 



ACT III. 

Scene — One year later.- The Boudoir of \{^\j^^ Monta- 
gue, Madison Ave., New York. 

Large bow window c, an opening R. c, showing a corridor 
leading off to the R., a hat-rack in rear of this corridor, 
with icmbrella-stand and chair beside it. Ha7idsome cur- 
tains across this entrance, drawn aside and looped up. An 
opening 1. , of a similar character, which leads to dressing 
room. The room is seen beyond partially disclosing a 
dressing-table end looking-glass , with hooks xiponwhich are 
hung ladies dresses, curtains over this entrance also looped 
up, a handsome f re-place R., with fire-irons , fender, large 
soft rug, footstools on each side. A lounge is placed oblique 
in front of the fire-place. Table by the side of the head of 
the lounge. Large handsome cloth over the table. Books 
upon it, a Lady s work basket containing so7ne fancy work, 
a cottage piano L., across 3 E.. an opening l. 2 e., showing 
a corridor, also with a single curtain over the opening, 
drawn aside. Ha7idsome screoi set up stage R., low in 
height, intending to keep the head from draughts only. 
Handsome carpet down. Soft rugs at each doorway. 
Soft lounging chairs scattered around. Music scattered on 
top of piano. A bookcase by its side. Flowers and shrubs 
at zvindoiv. Handsome {drop gas) lamp on the table, half 
turned dozun. Clock on c. , of mantel. Moonlight scejie 
outside at back. 

Kitty discovered dozing in an arm chair. — the f'o?it bell 
at R.u.E. rings, — then a pause — thm rings violently — she 
jumps up. 

Kitty. Sure the fire's in the next street, or them fire bells 
woLild'nt be making such a row and disturbing people. 
[ Yawning7\ Oh bother, to wake me out of me pleasant 
nap. Sure they won't be home 'till eleven o'clock, and Iv'e 
lots of time for a dacent forty winks. [Bell.] \_Settles herself 
again for a sleep when the bell rings louder. She is now 
thoroughly azvake^ Bejabers there's the door bell, who can 
it be? Faith I'm afraid to go to it, and me all alone by 
meself in the house. \^Goes over to the fire place ^ Ah ! let 
'em ring, and just to think that the beautiful widdy should 



40 LOVE AND LAW. 

fancy a poor Irish girl like me and make a French maid 
of me. {^Looking at clock.'\ Holy Modier o' Moses, it's 
after eleven — that must be them, and all the while I thought 
it was the fire engines. 

Music — Rims q^ r.v.e., reenters immediately, preceding 

Cockney Jim who is disguised as a seedy clergyman — 

black frock coat, high hat, ragged black gloves, goggles. 

Kitty. Phat name did you say, sir ? 

Jitn. Bilkins, miss, Theophilus Bilkins, marm, as is 
chairman of the society for the Propagation of the Heathen 
in furrin parts. 

Kitty. Well the Misses is'nt in. 

Jim. Vot? she hisn't. 

Kitty. Will you sit down and wait, sir ? 

Jim. I vill, ven Pve viped my feet. \_Rubbing Jeet on 
carpet. '\ 

Kitty. The mat is in the hall, sir. 

Jim. Veil, you need'nt get it for me. 

[Jim sighs extravagantly as he takes a seat. 

Kitty. Ain't you feeling well, sir? 

Jim. Hi suffer. \Sighs^ Hit's a sweet think to suffer, 
it makes us 'umble. 

Kitty. Well, he's a peculiar animal anyhow. 

Jim. Might hi trouble you for a glass of water ? 

Kitty. IGoing 1^.1 Yes sir — PU not be long. 

Jim. Don't 'urry on my haccount. 

Kitty. I don't like that cratur ; if hewas'nt a preacher Pd 
close the door agin him, but he slipped in before I could. 
Any way PU lock up those spring chickens, for I heard Mr. 
O'Paff say that preachers was all fond of spring chickens. 
[^Kxit L., during above speech Jim has been craning his neck 

as though taking in every detail of the j^oom. 

Jim. \_Dropping assumed manner, runs quickly to room 
R., and takes it in hurriedly ?\ -Just as Conti said — that's the 
young lady's room vot wears so many sparks — and no man 
in the 'ouse but the 'ostler, and 'e's in the stable. \_Goes to 
zuindow c. and tries it.'] I 'ates people vot fastens their 
vinders. [ Unfastens ivindow, opens it and looks out on bal- 
cony^ Conti was right again — the vindy opens on a side 
balcony honly four feet from the ground. Vi hi could 
strangle the gal and go through the crib now myself; but 
then she's hout and got her sparks with her. Conti said 



LOVE AND LAW. 41 

there was another voman 'ere for the last week, and both 
vore lots 'o sparks, and never a man about the 'ouse Vy 
the job vill be so heasy that it von't be excitin'. \^Loo/cs ojii 
againJ] Hi can see the guv'nor hin the shadow hot' the vail 
hover the vay. What a magnificent willan that chap his. 
\_Hearing sozind, steps inside, hurriedly closes ivindow together, 
draivs curtain aside and poses extravagantly at zvindow^ 
looking out. 'Ow beautiful is the voice of natur' in this 
sylvian spot. \^Corni?ig downJ] \^Kitty re-enters L. ivith 
glass of water'\ I was a listenin for the vistle of the black- 
bird 

Kitty. Here's the water, Mr 

Jim. Bilkms, — Theopolis Bilkins, President of the society 
for the Propagation of the Heathen in furrin parts. [ Takes 
glass.'] There's nothing so good for the youthful blood as 
a glass hof sparkling water. \^Drinks, makes a wry face — 
aside.] 'Ow I 'ates vater. \_Feelino in his pockets^ 1 know 
what is due to a lady of your sex from a gentleman hof mine, 
and you shall have your reward. S^Still fumbling. 

Kitty. \_Curtsying and extending hand^ Yes sir. 

Jivi. Hin the happroval of your conscience — a good 
conscience is a sweet thing. It's like grease to the boots, hit 
softens the huppers and makes the rough road of life come 
heasy. [Bell.] \_Door bell rings R. u. Y.., Jim starts. 

Kitty. Oh there's the missus — Oh murther ! 

Jim. Vich is the back vay out ? 

Kitty. You must vait and see her, or she'll be thinking 
that I do be having a man here while she's away. 

Ji77i. Hi can't vait, I must attend a meeting hof the Prop- 
agation Society. [Bell.] \_Bell rings again. 

Kitty. Oh my carracter, my carracter. 

Jim. Vots your carracter, compared to mine? 

Kitty. Preachers are used to these things and Pm not. 
Don't you leave this room till the missus comes in. Stay 
right there now [Bell.] \^Bell rings again.] Coming 
ma'am. The chickens will be gone now sure. 

[^J^uns of R. u. E. 

Jim- Stay here ? not hif hi knows it. I wonder where 
this door goes tp. [l. u. e.] Hit must lead hinto the 
garden. PU try. I 'opes there aint no daugs. \_exiti^. 2 E. 
Kitty re-enters preceding Mrs. Montague, Ritta, Sir 

Randall ajid O'Paff, all in Jull opera dress, with 
wraps and overcoats, opera hats, etc. 



42 LOVE AND LAW. 

Kitty. [Astde.l Why the preacher's gone. 

O' Paff. Ah, this is warm and cozy. 

Mrs. Montagtic. The fire is pleasant after the nipping 
night air. Now make yourself at home, everybody. 
Kitty assist me. 

Sir Randall. Allow me. \^He takes her opera cloak, pas- 
sing it to Kitty ^ 

Mrs. Montague. Thank you. 

O'Paff. Ritta dear let me be your waiting maid. 

Ritta. I fear you would not like it at all times. 

G Paff. I'm willing to engage on trial 

yLoud, coarse bark like a bull dog's bark off L. u. E. 

Kitty, [y.., Aside.'] Omurther? The dog has the preacher. 

Mrs. Montague. Kitty, is Nero loose .-* 

Kitty. I think he be's ma'am. 

O'Paff. Well, Nero's bark is untied at all events. 

Kitty. Will ye's have a lunch ma'am ? There's a bottle 
of wine and some cold fowl right handy ma'am. 

Mrs. Montagtie. No, thank you, we lunched at the 
Brunswick. 

Sir Randall. But we thank you for the hospitable inten- 
tion all the same, Kitty. 

O' Paff. She can't help it, she's Irish, and she's proud of it. 

Kitty. Faith ! I am. \_Aside7\ Oh he's a foine man, and 
he came from Dublin too. \_Exit Kitty r i e., with zvraps. 

Mrs. Montague. Ritta dear, I hope you have enjoyed the 
evening. 

Ritta. \_Enth2isiastically ^ Oh yes ! so much ! so much ! no 
words can tell how much. I never heard tnusic before. 

O^Paff. Yes, you have dear, whenever you speak you 
hear it. \^Aside.'\ Or I do. 

Ritta. Oh when Patti sings I close my eyes and tink I 
hear all around me, de nightingale. 

[Sir Randall and Mrs. Montague are r. by fire-place. 

O' Paff. That's what I used to fancy dear, when I heard 
you warbling your quaint little Italian airs. I observed one 
peculiarity, Ritta, that you must overcome. 

Ritta. In me; what was it? 

O'Paff. You seemed absorbed in the music — listened with 
wrapped attention, and applauded in the proper places. 

Ritta. Was not that right ? 

O'Paff I dare say it was natural, dear, but it's not con- 
sidered the correct thing. In order to appear fashionable 
at the opera, you must pay no attention to the music, but 



LOVE AND LAW. 43 

Stare about you with languid indifference as though the 
whole thing were a bore. A little animated conversation 
during the pianissimo passages will also add to your pres- 
tige. lA/Uaiigh^ 

Mrs. Montague. You are too severe, Mr. O'Paff, all 
theatre-goers are not vulgarians. 

O'Paff. The amendment is accepted, though we must 
admit that the minority is a very aggressive one. 

Sir Randall. O'Paff, old boy, you've become thoroughly 
Americanized, I fear. 

O'Paff. I hope so. 

Sir Randall- You're very severe on the aristocracy. 

O' Paff. You're wrong, Sir Randall. There is but one 
aristocracy in America — the aristocracy of moral purity and 
intellectual worth. These qualities I admire, if I don't at 
all times emulate them. My reflections were directed at 
the money^X.ocx'BiCY , a distinction with a difference. 

Ritta. Well, I listen and applaud, because I love the 
music. 

Mrs. Montague. And flowers, Ritta. 

Ritta. \_Looking at her bouquet^ Oh yes and flowers, and 
pictures, and everything that is beautiful, and the world is 
full of beautiful things, is it not, my dear good friend ? [/a/^- 
zVz^O'Faff's hands affeciio7iately . 

O'Paff. [^Looking into her face.'] Yes, dear it is, although 
1 had'nt noticed so much until lately. 

Ritta. \^Enthiised.'\ Oh to me, each flower, each scene, each 
new day is more beautiful than the last and some time I 
think it is too beautiful to be real, and that it is all a dream. 

O'Paff. [ With serio comic tone.] I've been feeling that 
way myself dear, lately. I hope no blackguard will come 
along and wake me. 

Ritta \_ Jumping up ^ Oh! how bright the moon shines! 

\_Goes up to window c. 

O'Paff. {^Following her up.] Yes, dear. It's the kind of 
night we'd be sliding down hill, if we were only a little boy 
and girl again. 

Ritta. [In window.] Can't we be children again, just for 
tonight ? 

[Ritta and O'Paff stand in window — the moonlight fall- 
ing on them.] 



44 LOVE AND LAW. 

Si'r Randall. \_Looking at figures in windozv.'] Happy 
souls ! See Helen, the moonlight blends their two shadows 
into one. 

Mrs. Montague. I see. Alas ! True love often lurks 
amid shadows ! 

Sir Randall. True, but the sunshine is always behind, 
ready to break through. 

Mrs. Montague. [Sadly.'] Not always. 

Sir Randall. \_Tenderly.\ Dear Helen, your shadows will 
depart, whatever they may be, if you but bid them. 

Mrs. Montague I fear not. I fear not. 

Sir Randall. Then give me the right to drive them away. 

Mrs. Montague. Believe me, I am honest when I say, I 
would if you could, but it is impossible. 

Sir Randall. To the man and woman who honestly and 
truly loves, nothing is impossible. 

Mrs Montague. \_Ahnost in tears.] You cannot dream of 
what my sorrow consists, or you would see how hopeless is 
my future. Do not press me further, to-night. 

[RiTTA and O'Faff come forward. 

Ritta. And you really think you have a clue ? 

O'Paff. I know it dear, and a very important one. 

Mrs. Montague. Have you any late developments in the 
case, Mr. O'Pafif? 

O' Paff. In a general way, yes. I have a skillful officer 
at work on the case in London and expect something 
definite at an early day. 

Sir Randall. By the way, O'Paff, when does your partner- 
ship with Mr. Sawyer, go into effect. 

O'Paff. Papers were signed to-day. From to-morrow 
morning the firm will be " Sawyer and O'Pafif." 

Ritta. Oh how can 1 ever repay you, repay all my loving 
friends for so much kindness to a poor lost child like me. 

O^Paff. By saying nothing about it, dear, besides you're 
not lost, you're found. Think what our little group would 
have lost, had we never known the joy of your girlish 
presence, or felt the sunlight of your merry smile. 

Ritta. You are so kind to say so, oh, could I ever hope 
that I might in some way repay you. 

O'Paff You can dear with interest and a bonus. 

Ritta. Oh tell me how, it shall be done. 

O'Paff. You're sure you would' nt regret the promise. 

Ritta. Ouite sure, no matter what, tell me. 



LOVE AND LAW. 45 

aPaff. Well clear, I will. 

Ritta. \^Eagcrly looking up in his face ^ Yes ! 

O'Paff. Some other time, dear. [O'Paff x's l. and sits 
071 piano stool. KlTT A /ollozcs and stands beside him.'] 

Ritta. You were goii\o- to tell me something. What was 
it ? Ought I not to know ? 

G Pajf. [^Turning over music. ] I think you'll soon guess 
it, dear. 

Ritta. I will guess it ! Oh, when? 

Cy Paff. When you sing me this song, dear. 

Rata. Which one ? 

O'Paff This one. \^P lays prelude to song. 

Ritta. And then I shall know ? 

O'Paff. Yes! 
Ritta Sings ballad, accompanied by O'Y'a^y; Sir Randall 

and Mrs. Montague, form picture in moonlight in bow 

windozv. 

Mrs. Mojitague. Thank you, Ritta dear, for your fitting 
finale to our evening of song. 

O'Paff. Come Sir Randall, let's be off while the music 
still lingers in our ears. 

[Ritta gets O'Paff's overcoat aiid assists him. 

Sir Randall. [ Takingy[.v.<s,. Montague's hand^.] Believe 
me, Helen, should circumstances arise to alter your deter- 
mination, and make me your champion, you can rely upon 
my absolute devotion, no matter what the sacrifice may be, 
\^Kisscs her hayid.] good night. 

Mrs. Montague. Good night, dear friend. 

[Sir Rand.\ll goes up and gets coat. 

O'Paff. Ritta dear, you'd make a capital valet. Good 
night, sweet heart. 

Ritta. [ Taking both his hands.] Good night my dearest 
friend, my champion, my brother. {O'^KYv'sface brightens 
during her speech, and falls when she says ''brother."] 

O'Paff. [^Serio-coniic air] Good night, dear. [Ti? Mrs 
Moniague.] Good night, my dear friend. Ritta clear remem- 
ber, that Saturday we visit the art galleries. 

Ritta. {^Grieved surprise.] Oh but shall I not see you 
to-morrow? 

O'Paff. \_Pleased?] Yes, dear, you shall. 

Ritta. I must, I must see you every day. 

O'Paff. You shall dear, a half dozen times a day. I'm 
with you, Sir Randall. 



46 LOVE AND LAW. 

Sir Randall afid O'Paff, exit pleasantly r. u. e., saying 
^'^ goodnight!' Ritta kissing her hand to them. 
Ritta. \_Looki7ig off R.] Good night, my noble protector, 

my brave hero ! good night. 

Mrs. Montague. \_At fire-place R. Aside.'\ Dear child, 

how happy she is ! Heaven grant tliat no blight or shadow 

may ever cross her young life. 

[Mrs yioni: kgve taps table go7ig. Eiiter Kitty r. i. v.. 
Kitty you can bolt the front door and then you may retire- 
Kitty. Yes ma'am, thank ye ma'am. \_Exit Kitty r. u. e. 
Jl/rs. Montague. \_Aside.^ How noble and generous he is ! 

Oh the shame that my young life should be so clouded. 

Ritta. {^Coming dowji!] He is so handsome and noble, 
Sir Randall. \_Sits at her feet. 

Mrs. Montague. Now Ritta dear, tell me something of 
yourself, your studies and how you progress at school. 

Ritta. \ am progressing famously, so all of my teachers say. 

Mrs. Montague. And you like to study ? 

Ritta. Oh yes indeed. Each book and each lesson has 
for me a separate charm. I was so long deprived of such 
advantages. Only to think that I am but one year at school, 
and I have learned so much. I am living in a new, strange 
and beautiful world, a world where every hand seems 
stretched out to protect me, instead of to beat me, and every 
face greets me with sweet and welcome smiles. 

Mrs. MoJitag^ue. Then you have made many friends at 
school ? 

Ritta. Oh yes I think every one is my friend and all seem 
to love me. 

Mrs. Montague. Tell me, what are your earliest recollec 
tions ? Are they all associated with the Italian and his 
cruelty ? 

Ritta. Yes, all. 

Mrs. Montag2ie. And you have no remembrance of a 
mother ? 

Ritta. Sometimes I think I have. I seem to remember 
as in a dream, a sweet face bending over me, and soft gentle 
hands caressing me. It is like a vision, with large soft eyes 
and golden hair, it smiles and kisses me, and then I wake 
from my day dream, and in its place comes back the old 
memories of cruelty, and misery. 

Mrs. Montag7ie. Poor child ! 



4! 



LOVE AND LAW. 47 

Ritla. Then I recall the hour when womanhood seemed 
to come to me so suddenly, and give me courage to rebel, and 
tell me that I was not born for such a fate, then the desperate 
struggle between the strong man and the weak girl, the cloud 
for a moment darkens around me, but in that moment 
Heaven's angel of deliverance stands in the door. 
Mrs. Afontagiie. And then ? 

Ritia. And then your own sweet face and gentle voice 
comes into my new life, to remain a part of it I hope forever. 

Mrs. Moutaqtic. I hope so, my child, although mine is but 
a second claim upon you. Mr. O'Paff, who brought you to 
me, has determined to solve the mystery of your birth, and 
it is to him and not to me that you owe your education and 
the luxuries that have surrounded you. 

Rata. Oh, I did not know that. 

Mrs. Montague. I know it, dear, and possibly I have done 
wrong in telling you. 

Ritta. Oh no, I think it was right that I should know. 

Mrs. Montague. And Mr. O'Paff has given you no hint 
as to his plans for your future ? 

Ritta. No, he writes often to me, and always cheerfully, 
encourages me in my studies, and sends me books to read 
during my leisure hours. 

Mrs. Montagice. And nothing else ? 

Ritta. Is not that enough ? 

Mrs. Montague. [^Aside'] Generous hearted fellow ! He 
worships this child, yet shrinks from winning her through 
her sense of gratitude. 

Ritta. And now dear Mamma Montague, may I call you 
mamma? 

Mrs. Montagjie. Do I shall like it of all things. 

Ritta. Well then dear mamma, now that we have talked 
so much about myself, let us talk of a more worthy subject- 

Mrs. Montague. Of what ? 

Ritta. Of yourself and your noble solicitor Sir Randall, 
when may I congratulate you ? 

Mrs. Montague. I fearthat time will never come, Ritta dear. 

Ritta. Not marry him! oh why? 

Mrs. Montague. [Kissing ]!^itta's fore/iead.'] Hush ! my 
child ! not now, not now. \_Conceals her face for a moment, 
nearly xveeping, then recovers a?id assumes a cheerfd manner^ 

Ritta dear, there is a shadow in my life as in your own ; a 
shadow that stands between Sir Randall Burns and myself. 
Feeling that I loved him, I have not had the heart to tell 



4o LOVE AND LAW. 

him the truth. Indeed the secret is my own, and it is one 
that often weighs heavily upon me. 

Ritta. May I not share it dear mamma ? 

Mrs. Montague. I have been thinking' to-night dear, that 
I should feel better in mind and heart, could I unbosom 
myself to you. The load is growing too heavy for me to 
bear alone. 

Rilia. Please let me share the burden, you shall find me 
worthy of your confidence. 

Mrs. Montague. I will my child, and should you ever be 
tempted to disregard the wishes of those who cherish you, 
let my sad story warn you of your danger. When a school 
girl, a mere child like yourself, there crossed my path a 
tempter in the shape of one who seemed to m}'^ girlish fancy 
all that was noble, handsome and chivalrous. Blinded by a 
foolish passion, I set at .naught a parent's teaching, and deaf 
to the counsels of friends, I took into my heart this idol of 
clay, surrounding it with a false halo of romance. I awoke 
from my dream when it was too late, and a life of misery 
and penitence has been my punishment for the folly of ah 
hour. \_She weeps. 

Ritta. Poor mamma ! he deserted you ? 

Mrs. Mo?itag2ce- No child, but upon the day of my 
marriage I learned that he was a miserable criminal, he came 
of a good family whom he had disgraced, and by whom he 
had been cast off. His pretended wealth and titles were lies, 
and his only object in marrying me was to secure my for- 
tune. In this, however he was thwarted, and in my bridal 
robes I fled from his presence. 

Ritta. And you have never seen him since? 

Mrs. Montague. Not for years He followed me to Lon- 
don, and began a series of persecutions, until he was detected 
in some great crime, which relieved me of his presence. I 
have not seen him since, and know not whether he be living 
or dead. 

Ritta. Ah now I can understand why you are sometimes 
so sad. 

Mrs. Montagiie. Yes child. It is that I am never free of the 
haunting fear that he will find me out and renew his persecu- 
tions. But there, Ritta dear, forgive me for having brought 
tears into those beautiful eyes ; your sweet face should reflect 
nothing but smiles. Come dear we must retire. It is almost 
midnight. 



LOVE AND LAW. 49 

Ritta. I don't like to say good night while you are so sad. 
\^Pidtin^ arm around her. '\ I'll go to your room, kiss you 
good night there, then return to my own. 

Mrs. Montague. Thank you dear. 
Exit Ritta and Mrs. Montague, r. l e., Ritta after 
turning doivn light on table. Music. Lights tzvo-thirds 
down; window at back gradually opens and]\ys^'a head is 
seen, he cautiously enters through the windozu, noiv in his 
shirt sleeves. He peeps aroiind the room, then comes doivn 
C. he has a bull's eye lamp, and a small revolver. 
Jim. Oh, but I 'ates daugs. S^His clothes are badly torn, 
and rags hanging from seat of trot(sers.~\ 

I seed the light go hout, and says to myself" haul right," 

my pippin, the ladies is snug in bed. \_R2ms up to windozv^ 

There's the Capting in the shadow of the vail. Vota nian- 

ificent villian he is? [ Comes down c] Let me see, the Captain 

said I vos -first to get the hexact locality of the room vera 

the voman sleeps, then I was to hunfasten the front door — 

Old Conti says the voman vore a necklace of sparks as must 

'av been vorth a cool thousand — The Capting vont crib 

nothink but sparks, he vont, I haint so bloomin' particular, 

I haint. \_Looks through archway L. 

There's a bed and no von hin it. \_Peeps off R., listens at 

door R. I. E.] I can 'ear 'em a chinnin' in there, that's the 

werry hidentical room. While they're going to sleep, I'll 

see vot I can pick hup in a small vay on my hown haccount. 

Runs tip to dressing case in R. arch, examines toilet articles, 

opens d7-awers examining them by light of his biMs eye, he 

pulls out clothes, small boxes and bundles, fills his arms 

full, tur?is into room. 

Vy I've got enough to hopen a shop. [ Dog barks off l. 
U. E., Jim drops everything, a picture of comic f'ight.~\ 'Ow 
I 'ates daugs. \_Gathers up the articles and is in a quandary 
as to what he will do willi thcm^ Vere can I put 'em, me 
pocket vont 'old em. ySees umbrella in halhvay r. 

A humbrella ! The werry blessed think ! 
\^Runs and gets umbrella, is greatly bothered between the 
bundles, his pistol, bulVs eye, umbrella, &c7\ Ive got to 
get rid of somethink. 

\^Lays his pistol on table R., sits down and crams things into 
the inverted umbrella, then rims up to toilet case R. again 
and crowds in laces, stockings, &c. Ad lib.^ 



50 LOVE AND LAW. 

Hoppera glasses ! and ere's a vatch, I wonder vere the 
bloomin' chain is. \_Ravis his head mto a drawer tip to his 
shoulders. Ritta enters R. i. E. Lights tip gradtcal/y.'] 

Ritta. {^Lookitig- back.'] O good night, my sweet mamma. 

Mrs. Jlfontagice. [O^R.] Good night, Ritta my child and 
happy dreams to you. 
Ritta ttir7is tip c. as thotigh going to her room, sees Jim at 

toilet case, she sees Jim tnrn up light on table and in doing 

so, sees Jim's I'evolver, which she fakes up resohitely. 

Jim. \_Coniing down \^. c7\ I'll chuck the bloomin' um- 
brella out o' the vinder, and hopen the front door for the 
Capting. \^Tiirnstip R. c. and Ritta shoves the pistol into 
his face. Picture. 

Jim. Vy I know that face — 

Ritta. \_r€cognizing]iu.^ What Jim ! what are you doing 
here? 

yim. {^Gasping.'] S'elp me Bob its Conti's kid. 

Ritta. Has Conti sent you to search me out ? 

yitn. Vy no Miss Ritta, I vos on a little henterprise of my 
own miss, and I-I-s'elpme ! I didn't know as owj'<??^vas 'ere. 

Ritta. I ought to give you up, but I've not forgotten that 
you often befriended me. Do not alarm or frighten her, go 
quickly for my sake. 

yim. I'll go for my own — 'ow shall I go? 

Ritta. \_Poi?iti?ig to L. 2 E.] That way, I will let you out 
through the kitchen. 

Jim. [His mind on the dog-'\ Can't I go out the front way ? 
Jasper Craddock comes rapidly through the zvindoiu, takes 

in situation aiid rtishes doivn c. 

Ritta. No, you might be observed, go that way. 

Jasper. [ Taking pistol from Ritta.] Pardon me, your 
hand is too delicate. 

[Mrs. Montague enters r. i. e., rapidly. 

Mrs. Montague. \_Speaking as she enters.'] Who are these 
men ? Burglars ? 
[Craddock ttirns qtiickly at sound of her voice, starts. 

Picture. 

Jasper. Helen Montague ! 
Mrs. Montague. My God ! You here ! 
Sir Randall enters through window, speaking rapidly as 
he comes down. 



LOVE AND LAW. 5 1 

Sir Randall. Returning- from O'Paff's lodgings to my 
hotel, I saw this man entering- by that window, and hastened 
to follow him. 

yasper. \_Recovering his co7nposurei\ Indeed ! Possibly 
you will have the politeness to return as you came. 

Sir Randall. \Seizcs him by the shoulder.^ Yes sir, and 
I'll trouble you to accompany me. 

yasper. l^Removing SiKKA^nxi.iJshand.'} You are mis- 
taken my good man, I shall remain. 

Sir Randall. Remain ! By what right ? 

Jasper. [Coolly. '\ By the right of a husband.' 

Sir Randall. [Astonished.'] A husband? 

Jasper. Yes, her husband, let her deny it if she dare. 

Mrs. Montague. Heaven help me ! He speaks the truth. 
[Sinks on floor bzirying her Jace in soja R. 

Ritta. Her husband ! 

Ring 
[Jim is on piano stool i.., a picture oj wild consternation. 
Encore. 
Ritta is kneeling at Jeet oJ Mrs. Montague, r. Sir 

Randall and Craddock, looking dejiantly at each 

other, L. 2 E. Jim ivith his umbrella starts to sneak out 

at ivindow, just as he reaches it Hoffmeier appears at 

windoiv, Jim rolls back into room, falling c. 

yim. Her hushing ! great 'Eavings. [Raises -his zimbrella 
and is buried in a shower of laces, stockings, trinkets, &c?^ 

Ring. 



52 LOVE AND LAW. 



ACT IV. 

Scene i. — Lazv office of Sawyer & O'Paff, c. d., open 
backed by library piece or book case. Boxed scene. Practi- 
cal doors R. 2 E. and L. 2 E. , m boxing walls all painted 
into book cases, &c. iyi various designs. The office is that 
of a rich and respectable Jirm. R. door hung so as to swing 
both ways. When it opens iiito room, the exterior exposes 
the sign of the firm on the door, viz : 



SAWYER & O'PAFF, 

Attor7ieys-at- Law . 



Transom over door r., contai7is same sign and imitation 

glass, reading backwards to the audience. Large imitation 

transoin over C. doors with same sign. Large office desks 

R. and L., table tops, baize covered, arched opening in c, 

with drawers dow7i the sides, {regular office table desks.) 

Safe at back R. Letter-press on top of safe R. Revohmig 

office chairs at desks. Other chairs R. and L., all of 

the appurtenances of a completely eqiiipped law office. 

Cra7ie, the clerk, comes through CD., with large assortment 

of letters, which he is examining, and during speech, 

places them alternately on the desks R. and L. 

Crane. A larg-e mail this morning. \^Reads^ "Sawyer, 

personal," that goes here, [r.] "Sawyer & O'Paff," ditto, 

ditto, ditto. {^Placing letters r.] "Felix O'Paff," that goes 

here, [l.] London postmark ! that must be what Mr. O'Paff 

has been so anxious about ! Hello ! here's another from 

London for Mr. Sawyer, [r ] that's about the Craddock 

business. A great calling is our noble profession of the law ! 

The junior partner is wonderfully active, he has infused new 

life into the firm. That London letter must be something 

about the little Italian girl, that Mr. O'Paff is so wonderfully 

interested in. \_Looks at zvatch.'] Nine o'clock, and there's 

Mr. Sawyer's step, as punctual as a tax collector. 

\_Enter Septimus Sawyer, r. 2 e. 



LOVE AND LAW. 53 

Sawyer. Oh, good morning, Crane. 

Crane. Good morning, sir. 

Sawyer. O'Paff here yet ? 

Crayie. Not yet, sir. 

Sawyer That's odd, he's usually first. \_Taking off coat, 
g loves, c5rV] 

Cra7ie. You forget that there is an attraction elsewhere 
just now, sir. 

Sawyer. Eh ! Attraction ! Oh, yes, of course, his little 
Italian protege is home from school, I forgive him. Any 
mail, Crane ? \_At desk R. 

Crane. Yes, sir, on your desk. 

Sawyer. Anyone called ? 

Crayie. Mr. Craddock, said he'd be back between nine and 
ten. 

Sawyer. Indeed ! And here, I take it, is something that 
may concern him, \_Sits and opens large letter?^ from our 
London agents, Podgers & Podgers. \_Reads. 

Mr. Septimus Sawyer, dear sir : 

In regard to the claims of your client, Jasper Craddock, 
we must inform you that the Craddock estates were left to 
an infant niece of your client, in trust to her mother. The 
mother is known to be deceased, the child was reported as 
lost or stolen some fifteen years ago. Your client must 
establish the death of the heir, before he can hope to gain 
possession of his father's estates; otherwise it reverts to the 
crown. Let us know what further steps, you desire us to 
take. 

Respectfully, 

Podgers & Podgers. 

That looks bad for Craddock, eh Crane ? 

Crane. Rather smoky. 

Sawyer. Still, as my worthy junior, Mr. O'Pafif, has dis- 
covered or thinks he has, that my client is one of the links 
in the chain of circumstantial evidence which he is forging, 
we must go gently, eh Crane? 

Crane. Evidently. 

Sawyer. Any mail for O'Pafif? 

Crane. Yes, sir, and a letter from the London authorities. 

Sawyer Indeed ! In that case we must hold Craddock ofif 
until O'Pafif has read his letters, you understand ! 



54 LOVE AND LAW. 

Crane. Perfectly, sir. Yes sir. Oh the g-reat brain power 
that we require in our noble profession of the law. 

\^Exit Crane r. 2 e. 

Sawyer. I must confess that mv junior partner brought 
two very charming clients into the firm. The lovely English 
widow and the bewitching little Italian are enough to make 
the reputation of a less talented man than O'Paff. 

Crane. \^In c. door^ He's here. 

Saivycr. All right, keep your eye open. 

[Craddock enters c. d.. Crane exits r. c. after bowing 
Craddock in politely i\ 

Saivyer. Ah, good morning, Mr. Craddock, I was just 
thinkiitg about you, and wondering whether we should get 
anything for you to-day. Be seated, [Craddock sits r. c. 

Craddock. Thank you. Is it possible you have nothing 
from London yet? 

Sazvyer. I think not. [Ca/A.] Crane. [Crane appears hi 
C. D.] No later mails this morning ? 

Crane. Nothing later, no sir. 

Sazvyer. I thought not- [Ckane disappears R. c. 

Craddock. It seems to me that you have had sufficient 
time to have heard something. 

Sawyer. Yes, it does look that way. Podgers & Podgers 
are a little slow and old fogyish perhaps, possibly we could 
hurry matters up by retaining a more pushing firm, say, 
"Sharp & Short," of Chancery Lane, they're younger and 
livelier. 

Craddock- Then why not have retained them in the first 
place ? do so at once. The last firm that I retained to look 
this matter up, dilly-dallied a year or so without learning 
anything, that's why I have come to you- 

Sawyer. Quite right, served 'em right. Oh, I'll work it 
up for you. Well, now, what shall we say as a retainer for 
Sharp & Short ? 

Craddock. Why whatever is customary. The property 
belongs to me, I know my father is dead, my sister and her 
child are dead, and I will have what is my own. 

Sazvyer. Quite right, well, suppose we say two hundred 
dollars for Sharp & Short, of Chancery Lane? 

Craddock. Very well, there are four fifties. \ Gives money 
to Sawyer.] And now I want to consult you upon another 
point, can a man compel his wife to live with him ? 



I 



LOVE AND LAW. 55 

Sawyer. Well, that's a poser. He might persuade her, 
but as for compelling-, that's dijferent. Wile in this country ? 
Craddock. Yes, in this city. 

Sazvyer. And refuses to live with her husband ? 

Craddock. Refuses to j-^*? him, has even invoked special 
police protection. 

Sawyer. That looks as though she meant business. 

Craddock. Well, can't he compel her to share with him 
their ample means? 

Sanyer. Her money or his ? 

Craddock. Well, hers, I suppose. 

Sawyer. Well with my limited knowledge of the case, 
ar^d my extended knowledge of American jurisprudence, I 
should say that the lady has rather the inside track up to 
the present time. 

Craddock. Is there no law to sustain a man in insisting 
upon his conjugal rights. 

Sanyer. Well, that's another poser, I shall have to look 
tijat thing up. I'd like to consult my partner upon that 
point, he's a wonderful man on technicalities. Suppose you 
call around in half an hour. 

Craddock. Oh, very well. 

Sawyer. By that time we shall doubtless have another 
mail, and possibly something about your London matter. 

Craddock. Ah exactly. I've some business at my bank- 
er's in the adjoining street, after which I'll drop in again. 
Crane appears quickly in c. d. , gives a qtiick motion to 

Sawyer to signify that some one is coming, and exits c. 

Craddock diwing above action is bzittoning his coat, or 

glove, so as not to see it, it is but an instant. Craddock 

starts up c. 

Sawyer. Ah, Mr. Craddock, you'll find this a more direct 
exit. . \_Pointing R. 2. E. 

Craddock. Oh indeed ! thank you, [x'ing to R.] good 
morning. \^Exit \\.. 2 e. 

Saiuyer. Good morning. Business at his banker's ! refer- 
ring doubtless to some disciple of King Faro, that fellow is 
a cool hand, confounded blackguard ! \_FoIding up mo7iey, 
a7id placing it in vest pocket ] I'm afraid, Mr. Craddock, that 
you will have to charge this retainer for Sharp & Short, to 
profit and loss. [O'Paff and Ritta enter c d. 

O' Paff. Come in, Ritta dear, don't be frightened, they 
call us lawyers, sharks and wolves and other pet names, but 
we're only flesh and blood like other people. 



56 LOVE AND LAW. 

Top o' the morning to ye, Mr. Sawyer. Sit down dear. 
\_Gives RiTTA chair R.] Excuse me while I look over my 
letters- 

Saivyer. Good morning, Miss Ritta. 

Rilta. Good morning, Mr Sawyer, why, what a nice, 
bright office you have ! 

O' Paff. Yes dear, its a part of the plot to make the 
wolves' den attractive to the eye, to lure the victim to his 
fate. \_All laugh. O'Paff I'eading lettters. 

Sazvyer. How are you enjoying your vacation, Miss Ritta ? 

Ritta. Oh wonderfully ! We all attended the opera last 
night. 

Saxvyer. Oh yes, I saw you. 

Ritta. And were you there ? I did not see you. 

Sazvyer. Oh no, you were too absorbed in the music ; oh 
yes. I was there. 

O' Paff. Yes, Sawyer had a front seat in the orchestra. 
He left when the ballet was over. \^All laugh. 

Sawyer. And when do you return to school. Miss Ritta ? 

Ritta. It is not decided. My guardian, Mrs. Montague, 
is very anxious for me to visit London with her, as soon as 
her affairs are settled here. 

O'Paff. [ Who has been examining London letter.'] Well 
her affairs promise to be settled sooner than we thought. 
Here's my letter from Inspector Fields, of Scotland Yards, 
listen— [^Reads. 

" Felix O'Paff. Esq., New York City. 

Dear sir : 

In looking up the record of your man, Jasper Craddock, 
we have found that just one year prior to his marriage with 
your client, he had married a Miss Julia Green, a daughter 
of one of his father's tenants. I enclose a bit of docu- 
mentary evidence. No publicity was given to the marriage, 
but the wife and her child were still living at the time he 
married your client, Miss Helen Montague, in St. Paul's 
Church, at Bath, this is authentic, your client, has never been 
the wife of Jasper Craddock." 

Ritta. Then dear mamma Montague, is free ? 

O'Paff. As free as air, dear. 

Ritta. Oh what joyous news for her. And now you will 
give this villian up to justice at once? 



LOVE AND LAW. 57 

O'Paff. Oh no dear, that would be spoihng- sport. 
We've hooked the fish, but he's a big one, and we must play 
with him until he drowns himself. 

Rata. But this evidence seems decisive. 

O'Paff. So it is, dear, as far as Mrs. Montague is con- 
cerned, but that is but the beginning of the end. There's 
another case involved. 

Ritta- Another case ? 

O'Paff. Yes, child, j'c??^r (97£7;. Listen to the rest of the 
London officer's letter — \^Reads. 

" Young Craddock seems to have been a very bad one, so 
bad in fact, that his father, who was a man of great wealth, 
ignored him in his will, leaving the entire estates, to an infant 
daughter of young Craddock's sister, in trust to the mother 
who was a confirmed invalid. Shortly after the father's death, 
the child was lost or stolen, and the death of the mother 
soon followed. This was fourteen years ago, and the child 
has never since been seen or heard of Suspicion fell upon 
the brother and an Italian of the criminal classes known as 
Paulo Viotti, but before the chain of evidence could be com- 
pleted, young Craddock was arrested for complicity in the 
famous Lady Danforth diamond robbery, and sentenced to 
Australia, for fifteen years. The Italian Viotti disappeared 
simultaneously, and all trace of him has been lost." 
You see now, how nicely one thing fits into the other, as 
the cords begin to tighten. 

Sawyer. That certainly begins to look as though you were 
on the right track. 

Rata. And does this concern me ? 

O'Paff. Very nearly, my dear. Every circumstance 
points to you as the niece of Jasper Craddock and the heir 
to his father's estates. 

Ritta. But this speaks of an Italian named Paulo Viotti. 

O'Paff. Exactly, my dear. It's an easy thing to change 
one's name, but not so easy for us to prove it, and the bur- 
den of proof rests with us. But listen — {^Reads. 

"The child, Grace Mayberry, when stolen was suffering 
from a serious scald upon the left shoulder. \_Actio)i of sur- 
prise from Ritta.] The burn was a very severe one, and 
would doubtless leave a permanent scar. This is the only 
clue we have ever had, and our only means of fixing the 
girl's identity." 



58 LOVE AND LAW. 

Ritia- \_Excitcdly7\ I have such a scar on my left shoulder. 

O'Paff. \^Junips up.'] You have ! I knew it. 

{^Rushes iozvards her, as though to examine the scar, then 
suddenly stops.] 

Sawyer. YQuickly, as O'Paff x's.] Good gracious, O'Paff! 

O'Paff. Yes, certainly, of course you have dear, and did 
Conti never explain it to you ? 

Ritta. No, once as a child, I asked him how it came there, 
and he flew into a violent rage, saying it was a birth-mark, 
and that I must never refer to it again. He frightened me 
so that I never did. 

O' Paff. The old reprobate ! 

Saivyer. Craddock will be here shortly. 

O'Paff. True for you. By the way, Sawyer, please ask 
Crane to have my friend Hoffmeier call around, we're liable 
to need him this morning. 

Sawyer. All right. I'll keep an eye open outside, and 
see that you are not interrupted. \_Exit Sawyer c. d. 

O'Paff. Now, d'ye see, jewel, how I'm narrowing the 
circle of which your fairy little self is the centre. 

Ritta. You are so good, so noble, so brave, but I feel so 
unworthy of all that you are doing for me. 

O'Paff. But you mustn't feel that way, dear. I've 'simply 
done what any honest man would feel it a privilege to do 
under the circumstances. Lawyers sometimes have hearts, 
dear. This has been to me a labor of love, and one sweet 
smile repays me for services rendered to date, and the rip- 
ling music of one merry laugh would retain me in the case 
for the remainder of my days. [Ritta, latighs.] Does that 
laugh tell me that I am retained for life, dear? 

Ritta. What am I that you have not made me ? What 
have I that you have not given me ? To give you my poor 
little self is not enough. 

O'Paff. I'd be satisfied with it, dear, provided you don't 
give yourself through a mistaken sense of duty or gratitude. 

Ritta. \_Afodest/y.i Oh, no. It is something more than 
that I feel for you. 

Oh but suppose I should be the Italian's child after all? 

O'Paff. All of the rules of evidence are against the sup- 
position. 

Ritta. But I might be ? 



LOVE AND LAW. 59 

C Pajf. Then I'll take the case on its individual merits, 
dear. \^k\nny.k appears c. D., sees their faces very close 
together, cotighs and disappears.^ What's that ? 

Sawyer. \^Entering c] How about Sir Randall and the 
widow ? 

CyPaff. Let them come in, but hold Craddock off until 
I'm done with the other fellow. 

Sa7vyer. All right. \^Exit c, as Sir Randall and Mrs 
Montague enter^ 

O Paff. My dear Mrs. Montague, you've arrived at a 
happy moment. Fate has been kind to us. See now how 
blessings often come to us in disguise, yours came in the 
shape of a burglar, disguised as a husband, and Sir Randall 
learned for himself the secret, you had not the courage to 
confide to him, and like the noble fellow that he is, he loved 
you more dearly as the clouds grew darker, and he invoked 
the aid of a legal angel in the person of Felix O'Paff, Esquire, 
who now has the happiness and the honor to inform you 
that you are a free woman, that you have never been the 
wife of Jasper Craddock, and here's some documentary 
evidence. \_Gives the letter to Mrs. Montague.] Come 
Ritta dear, step into the private consultation room, I'll show 
you the revised statutes and congressional reports. They're 
very thrilling. \_Passes Ritta off l. 2 e.] What do you 
think of that, ma'am ? 

]\[rs. Montagtie. Why I am astonished at this man's 
audacious villiany. I can find no words, Mr. O'Paff, to thank 
you for your skill and energy in my behalf 

O'Paff. Don't try, ma'am. The labor we delight in, 
physics pain. S^Aside to Sir Randall.] Now's yo^r time, 
make hay while the irpn's hot, I mean, strike while the sun 
shines, no, I mean, never do to-morrow what you can put 
off until to-day. \^Exit O'Paff l. 2 e. 

Sir Randall. And now, Helen, since the shadows that 
haunted you have been dispelled, what have you to say to 
me ? 

Mrs. Montague. Sir Randall, I will not pretend that I do 
not understand you, but ask you to defer the subject to a 
fitter time and place. 

Sir Randall. Why, Helen, any place, even a lawyer's 
office, could scarcely be objectional to the solving of a ques- 
tion that's to make a fellow happy or miserable for life. 



6o LOVE AND LAW. 

Mrs. Montague. Well, Randall, now that I am really free, 
I cannot but acknowledge your devotion to my interests, 
and I candidly confess to you that if I have not given you 
the encouragement you desired, it was no fault of my heart. 
I sincerely hope you are not mistaken in your feelings. 

Sh' Randall. [ Taking both her hands.'\ If the devotion 
of my life to you will be a proof that I am not mistaken I 
tender it. Will you accept the unworthy offering ? 

Mrs. Montague. You would be angry if I said no, so 
what can I say ? [Enter O'Paff l. 2 E. 

O' Pajf. Say nothing at all, silence gives consent, only say 
it in the private consultation room here. 

[Sir Randall and Mrs. Montague hurry off l. 2 e. 
laughmg. Sawyer appears in c. door.'\ 

Sawyer. I say, O'Paff, it seems to me that you are con- 
verting this office into a " Lover's Retreat." 

C Paff. Not at all, I'm enlarging our sphere of usefulness 
by adding a matrimonial agency. 

Sauyer. Well, where does the senior partner come in ? 

O'Paff. The senior partner don't come in, he gets left. 
See here, Sawyer, you waited too long. 

Sawyer. I believe I did. If I had my life to live over 
again, damme ! I'd marry at twenty. 

[Crane appears luirriedly in c- door r. 

Crane. Your man is here. 

O'Paff. Good. Send him in the other way. 

Crane. The other way goes. \_Exit Crane r. c. 

Sawyer. I'll be within ear shot. \_Exit c. D. L. 

O'Paff. \^Opens door \.. 2 E. ; calls.'] Sir Randall! [Sir 
RANDAi^L appears in door L. 2 E.] I want all to hear what 
passes in this room, but let no one enter till I call. 

Sir Randall. All right. [Sir Randall withdraws into 
room L. 2 E.] 

O'Paff. [At his desk L.] Ritta's fate is trembling in the 
balance. Ten minutes will confirm my hopes or baffle my 
plot, the London letter arrived just in time. [Knock on 
door R. 2 E.l Ah, he's there ! Now for a breeze or a 
hurricane- [Knock on door R. 2 E.] Come in. 
O'Paff absorbed with his writing. CoNTi slotcches sulle7ily 

into the room, r. 2 E. and stands R. c. scowling. 

O'Paff. Ah, Mr. Conti, is it yourself? You're punctual, 
sit down. 



LOVE AND LAW. 6 1 

Conti. What for you send a de polichaman for me ? 
What you want wid a me ? 

O'Paff. W^ell friend Conti, I hadn't seen you in so long 
that I feared you had forgotten my address, so I told our 
mutual friend Hoffmeier to invite you around. Sit down, 
Mr. Conti, don't be bashful. 

Conti. \_Droppi7ig into chair R. c] Well, me a here. 
What you want wid a me ? You ought to be ashamed to 
meet wid a man when you steal a his child from him. 

O'Paff. Why, Mr. Conti, you've grown sensitive. Were 
you always troubled with such fine feelings ? 

Conti. Got as much a fine a feel as a lawyer. 

CyPaff. Thank ye for the compliment. By the way, Mr. 
Conti, yAbrupily?\ where's Ritta's mother ? 

Conti. \_Starting .'] Ritta moder ! She a dead. 

C Paff. How do you know that ? 

Conti. How I know ? Me see her when she die. 

O'Paff. Were you in London ? 

Conti. \_Start.'\ London ! No! she die in Italy. 

O'Paff. You're mistaken, Mr. Conti. Ritta's mother did 
not die in Italy. 

Conti. \_Start b7cs^ Not in Italy ? 

O'Paff. \_Aside.'] That was a random shot, but it hit the 
bull's eye. 

Conti. You are a mistake. I was a dare. 

O'Paff. I make no mistakes, if I do I'll stick to them. 
Ritta's mother died in London, I was there, [Conti stafis] 
that's another. \_Aside.^ Where's her father ? 

Conti. S^Half frightened, hd dejiantly.'] Her fader ! here, 
in dis a chair. Me, Giovanni Conti, me a her a fader. 

O^Paff. Giovanni Conti is Ritta's father ? 

Conti. Si. 

O'Paff. Then you can't be her father. For yon are Paulo 
Viotti. 

Conti. \Starts in fright^ Me ! No, no ! Who tell a you ? 
\_Recoveri7ig^ No, you are a mistake, me, Giovanni Conti. 

O'Paff. Just now you are. Mr. Conti, you may as well 
make a clean breast of it, and save yourself while you have 
a chance. Cockney Jim has given the game away, and the 
old crone, Rosa, has turned against you. The old mantel 
has revealed its stolen treasure, and I can give you five years 
as a receiver of stolen goods. You may as well confess. 



62 LOVE AND LAW. 

Conti. \_-Ooggedly.'\ Confess ! Confess a what ? you are 
a mistake. It dey find a de stolen goods, it was a de ole 
woman, not a me, I work a, I grind a de org for my live, me 
got a noting to confess, 

O" Paff. [Aside.] The old devil is a cute one, I'll try the 
other game. lA/oad.l Mr. Conti, if you will tell me the 
truth about the girl Ritta, I'll guarantee you immunity from 
prosecution, and pay you more than you can hope to gain 
by your present course. 

Cofiii. [Aside, gloating savagely.'] Aha ! he know noting ! 
he only guess, he tink he frighten me. He try to pump a 
me, aha ! [Alotid.] Me tell a you de truth, me have a no 
more to teU. [Rising^ Ritta my child. You steal a her 
from me, and now you try to frighten me, to make a me, 
disown my own child. [Getting savage.] You not a 
frighten me, me no fool, me hard-working citizen, you give 
a me my child. [Appivaches O'Paff threateningly^ Me 
go to de Mayor, de Judge, me invoke a de law. De Italian 
got a some a right in dis a country, de same as de Irishman. 
Me have a no more a bull a doza from you. [Slapping 
desk.] I demand a from you my child ! 

O'Paff. Don't get excited, Mr. Conti. By the way when 
did you last see your friend, Ja.^per Craddock ? 

Conti. [Starts.] Ha ! Jasper Craddock ! Not a my friend. 
Me don't a know such a man as Jasper Craddock. 

O'Paff. [Aside.] He's my man. ,[Alond.] Mr. Conti, 
I'm afraid you have a bad memory. I'll give you thirty 
minutes in which to freshen it. Return in that time with 
the truth on your tongue, or by Heaven ! I'll give you ten 
years in Sing Sing, and when you've done that I'll turn you 
over to the tender mercies of the British Government, and 
let them deal with you for abduction. Now, go. 

[O'^AVF goes to 7vj^iting. Conti x's sullenly to r., the7i 
comes back to O'Paff's desk.] 

Conti. How much you give a me to let Ritta go. 

O'Paff. Nothing. I've got her. [Conti stajis r.] 

Stop! Come back in half an hour with a truthful answer 
to my question, and I'll give you your freedom to leave the 
country, which is more than you deserve. Go ! [Conti x's 
R.] And don't try to escape, or to communicate with your 
friends, for from this time forth you're walking in the shadow 



LOVE AND LAW. 63 

of the law, and there's an eye upon you at every corner as 
you pass. [Conti edges over to door r. 2 E., and hits it sav- 
agely.'] 

Conti. \^As passes out, looking back.'] Damn a de lawyer. 

\^Exit R. 2 E. 

[O'Paff beckons c, Hoffmeier comes on c. D., and goes 
off R. 2 Y., following Conti.] 

O' Paff. He's my man. 

Saiiyer. \_Ente7'ing c. D.] Without a doubt. 

O'Paff. But how to prove it, and to get the connecting 
link between himself and Craddock. If they are working 
together here, they are playing mighty cleverly into each 
other's hands. 

Saivyer. What's the next move ? 

CJPaff. We must make them convict themselves. 

Sazvyer. Easily said, but how ? ^ 

O' Paff. By getting them at loggerheads, or trapping one 
or the other of them into a confession. 

Sawyer. They are both sharp rascals. Do you think the 
Italian will weaken? 

O'Paff. Devil a bit. He's cleverer than I thought. 

Sawyer. It's time for Craddock, what shall we do with 
him ? 

O'Paff. Leave him to me. I'll play with him a while 
and then drown him. \_Enter Crane c. gziickly. 

Crane. The first heavy villian is returning. 
Exit Crane c. O'Paff a^id Sawyer both at their desks, 

apparently absorbed. Enter Craddock r. c. goes down 

r. c. 

Sawyer. Oh, Mr. Craddock, we were just speaking of 
you. 

Craddock. \_Pleasantly^ Nothing to my discredit I hope. 

Saivyer. Quite the contrary. By the way, Mr. Crad- 
dock, this is my partner, Mr. O'Paff. 

Craddock. Delighted, I'm sure. 

O'Paff. Same to yourself, sir. 

Craddock. I was not aware until this morning that Mr. 
Sawyer had an active partner. 

O' Paff. No sir, I became a member of the firm subsequent 
to your retaining my worthy senior. 

Craddock. I knew that I had not met you. 

O'Paff. The pleasure was mutual, sir. 

Craddock. Eh ! 



64 LOVE AND LAW, 

C Paff. Be seated, sir. 

Craddock. Thank you. [kS//^ R.] Perhaps I have returned 
too soon ? 

Saivyer. Oh no. 

Cy Paff. Just in time, sir. 

Craddock. Anything about my affairs by the last mail ? 

Sazvyer. \_Writing\ Well, I've been rather busy since you 
went out. Mr. O'Paff, I believe, has a communication that 
may prove interesting. 

Craddock. Oh indeed. 

CPaff. Yes I was wondering, Mr. Craddock, why you 
let so many years pass before claiming this estate. 

Craddock. \_Annoyed^ Why, I only recently learned of 
the death of my sister and her child. I have an inde- 
pendent property, and have passed many years traveling 
in India and Africa. 

O'Paff. I'm something of a traveler myself, your face is 
familiar to me. I must have met you in Australia 

Craddock. \_Annoyed^ You're mistaken. I said I had 
been in Africa and India. 

O'Paff. Certainly, of course. I must have met you 
nearer home. It was at Homburg, last Summer. 

Craddock. I was not at Homburg, last Summer. 

O'Paff. Then it must have been at Bath. 

Craddock. \_A71noyed.'] I've frequently been at Bath. 

O'Paff. 01 course. At Homburg I was treating for my 
liver, and at Bath I had an attack of the kidneys ..being near 
together I got the places confused. 

Craddock. \_Aside.'\ This fellow seems to be making game 
of me. 

O' Paff. Now wouldn't you find it more expeditious to go 
personally to London ? 

Craddock. Possibly, but I have certain family reasons for 
not wishing to return to England, just at present. 

O'Paff. Certainly, of course. By the bye, Mr. Had- 
dock— 

Craddock. Craa'dock, if you've no objections. 

O'Paff. None in the least, sir. I beg your pardon, I 
ought to remember the name, I had a client of the same 
name in Dublin, Four Courts, the year I was admitted. 
There was a will in his case too, he abstracted one, and the 
man died suddenly who tried to prevent him. I thought 
there was a similarity. 



LOVE AND LAW. 65 

Cr ad dock. Sir ! 

cyPaff. In the name. Well, sir, I pleaded for that man 
for nineteen straight hoiirs, they gave him twenty years, and 
the jury were of the unanimous opinion, that if my voice 
had lasted another hour they'd have hung him. 

Craddock. Yes, I dare say, but about the London agent's 
letter ? 

O'Paff. Certainly, of course. Relating to your marriage 
Mr. Craddock, regarding which you consulted. Mr. Sawyer, 
were you married in England ? 

Craddock. Certainly, at Bath. 

cyPa/ff. At Bath of course. Were you married in church ? 

Craddock. Certainly, St. Paul's Church. 

O' Paff. Of course, St. Paul's. Were you married by 
St. Paul, I mean by the rector? 

Craddock. Certainly. 

O' Paff. Were you ever married before? 

Craddock, \_Startled.'\ Who said so? — I — no, of course 
not. 

O'Paff. I thought it might have slipped your memory. 

Craddock. No, sir, my memory is too good. 

O' Paff. That's why I asked. What was your wife's 
maiden name ? 

Craddock. Why, Helen Montague. 

O' Paff. Isn't your memory treacherous — 

Craddock. \_ Jumping tip^ See here, what are vou driving 
at? 

(JPaff. I'm driving at you, Mr. Craddock. 

Craddock. What does this mean ? I paid your senior 
here a liberal retainer to establish my title to my father's 
estates, and now instead of treating me with the courtesy 
due a client, you cross-examine and brow-beat me like a 
criminal. You were not employed as detectives to spy into 
my domestic life. I simply asked of you, the law. 

O' Paff. Well ain't you getting all you want of it ? 

Craddock. Is this what you call law here in America? 

O'Paff. It's what we call justice here in America, the 
terms are sometimes, but not always synonomous. 

Craddock. \_Moving to door7\ Good morning. 

O'Paff. Don't leave us in anger. I'll introduce you to 
some friends of mine. Come in ladies. 

\^Enter Mrs. Montague, Ritta and Sir Randall, l. 
2 E.] [Craddock starts— pazise^ Mrs. Montague, I thought 



66 LOVE AND LAW. 



I 



possibly you might want to take a farewell look at your 
ex-lord and master. 

Mrs. Montague Mr. O'Paff, I thank you for freeing me 
from the persecutions of a creat7ire, I will not say man, who 
to the crime of bigamy has added those of thief and burglar. 

Craddock. So all this time you have been coaxing me into 
a trap ? 

O'Paff. That's about it brother Craddock. 

Craddock. And you sir, \^To Sawyer. '\ calling yourself a 
reputable member of the bar, accept my retainer, and then 
betray me into the hands of my enemies. 

Sawyer. You're wrong again, Mr. Craddock. I did your 
work legitimately. 

O'Paff. Exactly, but while he was looking up your 
estates, I was looking up your pedigree in the interest of my 
personal client. It was an accident, sir, pure and simple, by 
which this firm found itself retained upon two sides of one 
case You tried to inveigle us into a partnership in your 
rascality, but we thereby discovered that we had struck a 
gold mine in equity, and we determined to work it, for all it 
was worth. 

Craddock Indeed ! and what do you expect to accomplish 
by your double dealing ? You have but the word of this 
woman, she is my wife, and the law shall yet compel her to 
submit to me. 

Mrs. Montague. The day when that could happen has 
passed, thank heaven ? I hold in my hand a certified 
copy of the registry of your marriage to Julia Green, a year 
before I, a thoughtless school girl, unfortunately met you at 
Bath. 

O'Paff. If I were you. Mr. Craddock, I'd let the law- 
alone, you don't seem to understand its complex ramifica- 
tions. [Craddock with angry gesture starts to door r. 

Sir Randall. A word before you go. This lady, who 
has never been your wife, has from this day a lawful protec- 
tion in Sir Randall Burns, a fact which you will do well to 
bear in mind. 

0' Paff. Exactly, and if you are now permitted to go 
your way unmolested, you owe it to this noble lady, and her 
devoted friends, who prefer to see justice cheated, rather 
than have her pure name associated with yours in a public 
scandal. 

Sawyer. \_^Aside toO''?KYY.'\ You're not going to let him 
go now? 






LOVE AND LAW. 67 

O Paff. [Aside to Sawyer.] I don't want to frighten him 
yet, he'll not go far. [Aloiid^ Good morning, Mr. Crad- 
dock, you'll find the stairway at the end of the hall, turn 
left and you'll be right 

Craddock moves to door R. 2 E. O'Paff and Sawyer in 
act of boii'ing him out. Conti. 07i cue, appears in c. D., 
he sees Ritta, and makes gesture as though he would 
seize her. At same moment, Hoffmeier is at his side, 
and taps hijn on shotclder, he recoils. Ritta sees Conti 
and shrinks from him. Sir Randall and Mrs. Monta- 
G\JK passiiig her over to L. O'Paff, Sawyer and Crad- 
dock, do 7iot see this action of the others, all of this is 
simultaneous and very qtdet. Picture. 
CLOSED IN. 
Scene 2D — A modern street in first grooves. 
Enter Kitty l. i e , she has on hat and shawl or coat, and 
is rather extravagantly dressed {loud colors, (2fc.). 
Kitty Every Tuesday is my Sunday out. Well its a 
most pecuhar circumstance, but this is the first time Mr. 
Hoffmeier was ever late in keeping an appointment. Oh ! 
but he's a foine man is Mr. Hoffineier, and he's so fond of me, 
and of cold chicken and beer. Faith I hardly know which he 
likes the best. Oh, but he's a great man. is Mr. Hoffineier, 
and some of these foine days, he does be sayin,' he'll be a 
Captain, or a Colonel, or an Alderman, or a Conductor, or 
some great thing. I'll walk on down to the next corner, 
maybe I'll catch him there on the beat. I wonder phat they 
does be meanin' by the bate? Our butcher's boy says that 
all of the policemen are on the bate. \_Exit R. i e. 

[Enter Hoffmeier l. i e. 
Hoffmeier. Dots what I call bad business, dot man ought 
to have twenty years, and now after all we have done to run 
him down, O'Paff'lets him slip away just to save the voman 
from scandal, maybe though he is only giving him a little 
rope to let him hang himself Any how I don't forgot dot 
I must see O'Paff" on important business at nine o'clock. I 
vondgr now what it can be about — I just had time to slip 
down here and get my answer from Miss O'Rourke, I hope 
she don't keep me waiting long. I vos bad gone on dot gal 
sure, and de whole gang on de force giving me de grand 
guy about it. [Enter Kitty hurriedly r. i e. 

Kitty. Oho ! you're there are ye ? 



68 LOVE AND LAW. 

Hoffni'^ier. Don't I look like I was here ? I fly like 
Cupid on wings of love, to meet my red headed turtle-dove. 

Kitty. Oh, "Mr. Hoftmeier ! 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand. Have you brought me 
my answer ? Can I get out the marriage license ? 

Kitty. Sure how do I know that you are not joking wid 
me, Mr. Hoffmeier ? 

Hoffnieie7\ Call me Ferdinand. No Miss O'Rourke, I 
don't joke on a serious business like getting married. 

Kitty. Well, tell me phat's the reason that you don't 
marry a countryman of your own, Mr. Hoffmeier ? 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand. 

Kitty. Well then Ferdinand, what's the reason that you 
want to marry a poor Irish girl like me ? 

Hoffmeier. All in the interest of harmony. If the whis- 
key vote and the beer vote is united we can sweep the whole 
country, and the American vote goes for nothing. 

Kitty. Och, that's a great head you have on, Mr. Hoff- 
meier. 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand. 

Kitty. And you're quite sure that you love me, Mr. Hoff- 
meier ? 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand. Love you ! why haven't 
I been telling you dot for two years ? Do you think I was 
marrying for fun ? No sir, when a Dutchman marries, he 
marries for business. 

Kitty. Well, you'll not object to being married by the 
priest ? 

Hoffmeier. By the priest ! no sir, ve got married at dot 
little protestant church around the corner. 

Kitty. Oh, I couldn't, I couldn't, I couldn't. 

Hoffmeier. We will make a compromise, and got married 
by the police justice, they see so much that they don't believe 
nothing. 

Kitty Well I couldn't object to that. But you'll wait till 
after Christmas, won't ye ? 

Hoffmeier. Wait till after Christmas ! Then maybe I will 
get left out in the cold. 

Kitty. Well then you can come into my kitchen and warm. 

Hoffmeier. Dot settles it. \_Embracing- her and moving to 
R. I E.] And the first boy will be called Ferdinand O'Rourke 
Hoffmeier ! 

Kitty. Oh, Mr. Hoffmeier ! 



LOVE AND LAW. 69 

Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand [ They exit R. i E. 

Change of Scene. 
Scene ^n^Sajiie as Act 2d. 
Stage tivo-thirds dark, red lens ihrozigh fire-place R., throws 

red glare over the scene as a reflection from fire burning 

in grate. 
Music. As scejie opens Old Rosa is discovered seated on 

floor in front of L. door leading under the stairway. JiM- 

mie Nipper is at top of steps looking ont door, as thoagh 

on the lookout. O'Paff is standing in front of grate. 

O' Paff. \to Nipper.] Any signs of our man ? 

fim. No, but I can see the Dutch cop Hoofmeir on the 
corner. 

O' Paff. Tell him to come in, and then keep a sharp look- 
out for Conti. 

fim. Hall right. \^Exit jiu^MK upper door. 

O'Paff- iTo Rosa.] And you are sure that Craddock 
and Conti are friends ? 

Rosa. Si, si padrone. 

O' Paff. Does Craddock come here often ? 

Rosa. No, only two, tree times, always wid de beard to 
disguise de face. 

O'Paff. Always in disguise, eh? 

Rosa. Si padrone. 

O'Paff. And once you heard them talk about a child ? 
[Rosa 7iods.'\ Tell me again, what can you remember? 

Rosa. Not a much. Conti watch a me all de time, he 
speak of London, fourteen year ago, a little child dat was 
lost. Rosa not a hear a plain. But dis much I hear, de 
fine gentleman in London, he give Conti money, de great 
money, to kill de child, and Conti swear to him dat de child 
was dead, and den he laugh and seem satisfy. 

O'Paff. And Conti told Craddock that the child was 
dead ? 

Rosa. Si padrone. 

O'Paff. It's as plain as day. Every link in the chain is 
complete. [Hoffmeier ejiters at upper door. 

O' Paff. Hoffmeier, where's your man ? 

Hoffmeier. He is working down this way. I've got one 
of the boys in citizens clothes shadowing him. What did 
you get out of the old woman ? 

[Hoffmeier is now down in room l. c. 

O'Paff. Enough to confirm my theory. Conti or Viotti 



70 



LOVE AND LAW. 



was hired to do away with the child, with the cunning instinct 
of his tribe, he has raised her as his own, intending when 
Craddock came into the estates to use the girls as a means 
of extorting hush money. 

Hoffmeier. That looks very leasonable. Do you think 
you can trust the old woman? 

G Paff. Oh yes ; her fear of punishment and her hatred 
of Conti make her a safe instrument in our hands. 

Jim. \_E71tering hurriedly.^ Old macaroni is comin. 

\_Exit]\y\.. 

Hoffmeier. Shall we nab him now ? 

O'Paff. Yes, we'll take him across the street, where I 
have a room guarded and everything prepared. Come, 
in with ye, quick, and remember the police whistle will be 
the signal ior you. 
O' Paff and Hoffmeier exit through door l. iindtr stairway. 

Rosa hu ries down and crouches down on floor in front of 

fire assorting rags. {Enter Conti. carrying orga7i, he 

slams the door after him angrily. 

Conti. Damn a de lawyer! He comes down and places 
organ on floor at back. Damn a Ritta ! He sits sullenly 
on bench or stool R. Damn a de Dutch policeman ! me 
watch a Craddock, he see de lawyer too, he get de great 
property in England. Now was a my time, and now Ritta 
was a gone. Well all a de same, I can a frighten him, and 
make him give a me my share. [O'Paff comes out aiid 
moves to foot of stairs ] I find a him now and settle wid a' 
him. \_Starts 7ip to stefs and sees 0'Va¥¥.'] pause. 

O' Paff. Good evening, Mr. Conti. 

Conti. What you want a here ? 

O' Paff. Well as you declined to answer my questions, I 
thought I 'd drop around and see whether you had changed 
your mind. 

Cojiti. No, me got a noting to tell a you. You leave a 
my house. 

O Paff. I'm going Mr. Conti, and I'll trouble you to keep 
me company. 

Conti. What a for me go wid a you ? 

O'Paff. Because I've taken fancy to your society. 

Conti. Me not a go, a friend he come to see me, I must a 
wait. 

O'Paff. You can see your friend to-morrow. Come 
brother Conti. [O'Paff moves up steps. 



LOVE AND LAW. 7 1 

Conii. Me not a g^o. 
aPaff. Oh yes ye will. 

Conti. No ! You make me trouble enoug-h, you make a 
me no more. [ Whips out stilleto, at same moment Hoff 
MEIER appears th'ough door, and covers him with large 
revolver. \ 

Hoffmeier. Dot's enough of dot nonsense now. Go 
ahead. 

C Paff. I thought you'd change your mind. 

[Conti hangs back. 
Hoffmeier. Come on now, go ahead. 
O'Paff goes up stairs and off. Conti is next followed by 
Hoffmeier ivith revolver. Conti tiirns two or three 
times, and Hoffmeier shoves the pistol tinder his nose. 
As Conti reaches door, he brandishes his knife with sav- 
age facial expressioyi for the audience to see, conveying by 
action that he ivill stab O'Paff. All off. O'Paff makes 
7'apid change to a double of Conti. Music Changed. 
Old Rosa ivho has been zuatching the above actio7i eagerly, 
stealthily rims over and looks into door under stairway, 
puts her finger to her lips as sign of silence to persons hi 
the inner room, then stealthily goes up the stairs, and looks 
out onto street, laughs triumphantly, shaking her fist 
towards those outside as though gloating over a triumph. 
Comes doiun stairs laughing savagely {^action to make time 
for O'Paff's change . 

Rosa. \_At foot of stairs^ lo lo detesto ! (I hate him) 
Villano ! Aha ! Conti you treat a old Rosa like a slave ! 
beat a her like a de dog. You put a your foot on a me like 
a de worm, some a time de worm will a sting a de foot of de 
tiger, and de savage beast will a die from de poison so you 
shall die from a de sting of de blow you give a me. Aha ! 
Conti! Avro vendetta! Avro vendetta! (I will have 
revenge ) 

Craddock appears in door at top of steps, peers down into 
room, then closes door and comes down, he has on overcoat 
and beard worn iii 2d Act. 

Craddock. [on platform. '\ This place is as dark as the 
devil's pit, and smells worse than usual, if such a thing were 
possible. [ Come dozen.'] Now what the devil can this Italian 
want with me? It must be something important, or he 
would never run the risk of sending me a written message 
like this : [ Takes piece of di?'ty paper (^crumpled~) from his 



72 LOVE AND LAW. 

pocket and reads. ^ '' Must see you at my pk.ce to-night at 
just ten o'clock, don't fail this is a matter of great importance 
to both of us. Destroy this note when read. Don't fail, 
or you will long regret it. Conti." {^Lights his cigar with 
letter J\ I had forgotten that the fellow could write at all, 
but I remember now, he told me he had received quite a 
decent erlucation at Rome in his youth. He certainly writes 
better English than he speaks, that's often the case however. 
\^Sees Rosa.] Hello ! Is that you, Rosa ? 

Rosa. Si padrone. 

Craddock. \^Aside^ The old hag ! She sends a cold chill 
down my back every time I look at her. \^Aloud^ Where's 
Conti ? 

Rosa. Conti go away. 

Craddock. Gone away ! What the devil has he gone 
away for when he made an appointment with me for ten ? 
\^Looks at watch. '\ It only wants five minutes now. 

Rosa. Maybe Conti come back. 

Craddock. I dare say he will. Leave the room, d'ye hear ! 

Rosa Si sign ore. Rosa hear, {^es to door under stairs.'] 
\_Aside.'\ Rosa hear, more dan Rosa shall a hear, more 
dan Rosa shall a hear. \^Exit imder stairway closing door.] 

Craddock. I wonder where Conti dug that old mummy up, 
and what he keeps her about for? [Takijig off overcoat and 
beard.] I dare say he makes her useful in some way, he 
wouldn't have her around if he couldn't. Matters are begin- 
ning to look rather squally for me, what cursed fatality ever 
led me to the office of that firm ? I was an impatient fool 
anyway. I should have concealed my identity till the expi- 
ration of my term, then gone quietly to London and estab- 
lished my claim. I should then have had money enough 
to pave my way to safety, and to buy the silence of idle 
pratlers, and it all comes of that woman, curse her ! and I 
loved her too, or at least I came as near to it as I could to 
loving anything but myself. At this moment, I'm completely 
at the mercy of those fellows, my only safety is their desire 
to avoid a public scandal The sword of Damocles is sus- 
pended above my neck on the thread of a woman's caprice, 
altogether too slight a support for my peace of mind. I'm 
a spotted man from this day and the sooner I disappear the 
better. I'll slip over to San Francisco, live quietly, and let 
this affair blow over before I make another attempt. Where 
the deuce can that Italian be? 



I 



LOVE AND LAW. 73 

Music- Distant clock commences striking ten, Craddock 

takes out his watch, on last stroke of ten, the door is 

throiun open, and O'Paff disguised, as Conti entej's 

Imrriedly, closing and apparently locking the door behind 

him, he has Conti' s knife in his hand, the idea to 

convey to the audience is that Conti has killed his captors 

and escaped. 

Craddock. [^After Conti closes door.'] Prompt to the 
minute. O'Paff knife in hand fmrries down the steps look- 
ing back as though fearful of being pursued. Craddock 
is seated on corner of table R. 

Craddock. Oh you're here are you ! Why weren't you 
here to meet me? What's the matter with you ? 

O'Paff. [^Imitaiing voice and manner of Conti.] Matter 
enough wid a me, me say ten a de clock, de clock strike a 
ten, me a here. 

Craddock. Well now that you are here, what do you want, 
and why didn't you take some other means of communica- 
ting with me, instead of sending a dirty gamin with a dirtier 
piece of paper into a public hotel to be seen talking to a 
gentleman. 

O' Paff. Gentleman ! Bah ! You make a me sick. 

Craddock. Yes, you Italian dog, a gentleman. Well 
what is it ? Out with it. 

O'Paff. T>^ gentleman is in a bad a temper a to-night. 

Craddock. Possibly I am. I've had enough to put me in 
a bad temper, and I want no more irritation to ma'ice me 
worse. Come what do you want ? 

O' Paff. I want to settle de old score. I want a my share. 

Craddock. Old score ! Your share ! Share of what ? 

O' Paff. Oh, you know what I mean. 

Craddock. Haven't I always kept my word with you, and 
gone snacks in everything we worked together. 

O'Paff. No, not all a ^e time. 

Craddock. What job have I failed to divy on ? 

O'Paff. De great job of all, de property in England. 

Craddock. The property in England ? 

O' Paff. Si, you was a to see de lawyer. 

Craddock. Well, what then ? 

O'Paff. I was to see de lawyer too, I want a my share. 

Craddock. Your share of what ? 

O'Paff. You know, you know, my share of your fader's 
property. 



74 LOVE AND LAW. 

Craddock. Why, you fool ! I haven't got it yet, and pos- 
sibly I never shall, besides I paid you all you asked for what 
you did, you would not dare turn traitor. 

O'Paff. Call a me what a you like, so long I get a my 
share. 

Craddock. See here, Viotti — 

O'Paff. What for you call a me, Viotti ? 

Craddock. Well, its your name, isn't it 

O'Paff. No, not a here. 

Craddock. It's your name to Wi? at all times. And I've 
paid you like a prince for every service you have done me. 
If this is what you got me here for, you might have saved 
yourself the trouble. Your road and mine lie in different 
directions hereafter. Stand aside. [Craddock moves to c. 

O^Paff. Stop ! you shall not a go till you sign a de paper 
to give five tousand dollar, on a demand. 

Craddock. You're a fool ! How can I give what I haven't 
got? 

aPaff. It is a He. 

Craddock. \_Moving hand towards pistol pocket^ What ! 

O'Paff. Yes, a lie. \_0n picture with knife. ^^ I wait a for 
you to come a back for fourteen year ; you tink now I let a 
you go wid everyting after I wait for you so long. 

Craddock. So you threaten, do you? You miserable 
traitor ! I might have known better than to trust one of 
your accursed tribe. But what can you say or do ? 

O'Paff. What can I do ? Everyting. I can a denounce 
you to de authorities as de abductor of your a sister's child. 

Craddock. And I can denounce you as her murderer. 

O'Paff. Well, do ! and we go hand in hand to de scaffold, 
hand in hand to hell. See who will a be de first a one to cry. 

Craddock. [Trying- to pass tip c] Stand out of my path, 
you Italian dog. 

O'Paff. You refuse a to share wid me 

Craddock. I refuse to talk to you until you come to your 
senses, stand aside. 

O'Paff. Stop ! 

Craddock. Out of my way !. 

O'Paff. Stop! \Sava^ely branding his knife^ Hear a me 
one word more, den you can go. \_Points to paper &c. , 07i 
table.'] Dere is de paper, dere is de pen. Write on de paper 
dot so soon you get your fader's property, you give to Paulo 
Viotti, five tousand pound, for service done to you. Den 
sign a your name. 



LOVE AND LAW. 75 

Craddock. Why, you're mad. 

O' Paff. You refuse to write. 

Craddock. Yes- 

O'Paff. Den your fate on your own head. Dis night I 
seek a de friend of de child. Dey will give a me de mon 
when I give a back de child. 

Craddock. \_I?i a/arm.^ Give back the child ! what child ? 

O' Paff. Oh, you know what a child. 

Craddock. You miserable traitor! do you dare to tell me 
that my sister's child is living ! that you did not kill her as 
you swore to me that you had done. 

C Paff. What for I kill a de child, when she worth a 
more to me alive. 

Craddock. Where is she now ? 

O'Paff. Dat's for me, not for you to know. 

Craddock. I remember now, Jim told me of a girl you 
had used on the street, but the law took her away from you. 

O'Paff. Si, de law take her beyond the reach of my hand, 
but not beyond the reach of my tongue, when it speak a de 
truth. 

Craddock. Bah ! it's a lie — it is one of your own accursed 
tribe, a partner in a plot in which you hope to frighten me. 
I can denounce you both as a pair of imposters, and who 
would credit the denial of a spotted criminal such as you. 

O' Paff. You tink no one believe a me ? 

Craddock. No. 

O'Paff. May be so. But dey will believe dere own eyes, 
when dey see de mark on de body of de child, which she 
carry from her infancy. 

Craddock. \_Starting aside. '\ The burn upon the shoulder ? 

O'Paff. Si — aha ? de burn on a de shoulder, you rememb ? 
De burn on de shoulder — it is a describe to day on de 
record of de London police. 

Craddock. \_Aszde rapidly. '\ I am at his mercy — oh why 
did I not kill the brat myself 

O' Paff. Now you will write a de paper? 

Craddock. First answer me a question. Does the girl 
know the truth. 

O^Paff. No, de secret is wid a me, and wid a you alone. 

Craddock. You swear it ? 

O' Paff. I swear it. 

Craddock. \_Aside^ Then my course is clear. 

O' Paff. Now you will write a de paper? 



76 LOVE AND LAW. 

Craddock. \_Appearing to yield.'\ Oh, I've no objection. 
Craddock moves up to table, as though to sit down, and so 

gets betzueen O' Paff and the stairzvay. 

O'Paff. Who is de master now ? 

Craddock. \ Jumping to foot of stairs and drawing large 
size nickel -plated pocket-pistol^ 1 am, you double dyed 
traitor. [Picture. O'Paff shrinks. 

O'Paff. What would a you do ? 

Craddock. What does the stag do when the hound brings 
him to bay ? He kills, as I'll kill you. 

O'Paff. You would not dare to murder me. 

Craddock. Why should I not ? 

O'Paff. Because you are a coward, and you dare not face 
de hangman. 

Craddock. Bah — the character of this den is known. I 
will say that you decoyed me here to rob me, and that I 
shot you in self-defense — the knife in your hand will con- 
vict you, and dead men make no denials. 

O' Paff. Stop ! I will leave a de country and trouble you 
no more. 

Cj^addock. [Moving up steps-~\ No, I've trusted you once 
too often. This world is not large enough for both of us. 
You have sworn the secret was with us two — when you are 
dead, it will be with me alone. 

During speech he approaches top of steps, so timing the 
action that he reaches the door 07i the last word, the pistol 
covering O'Paff as he ascends. On the words '^ nie 
alone ^^ O'Paff bloivs police whistle —the door is thrown 
open and CoNTi stands face to face with Craddock. 
HoFFMEiER behind — strong calciion thrown on the 
pict7ire, as though it was the moon, coming in through 
the open door — Craddock staggers back aghast — 
Picture. After picture Craddock backs down the 
steps, looking wildly at CoNTi, then at O'Paff. Conti 
and W.OYYWE.iYJ^ follozv down steps — they all drop down 
r. Conti sees O'Paff, stares at him in utter bewilder- 
Tnent. O'Vkyy quietly removes his disguise as the cal- 
cium is thrown iipon the group. 

Craddock lAside.l Fool, blind fool and dupe that I 
have been. 

O'Paff. I quite agree with you, Mr. Craddock, although 
the remark is not complimentary to my skill as a detective. 



LOVE AND LAW. 77 

Hoffmeier. \_Covfri?ig Craddock with revolver.^ Put down 
that gun. 
Craddock stdlenly places his pistol on table. Hoffmeier 

picks it 2ip,puts it in his pocket. 

Craddock. Your plot was a very clever one, but you forgot 
one important adjunct. 

O'Paff. And what was that ? 

Craddock. Witnesses ! All men are equal before the law, 
and my oath will weigh against your own. \^Lights all np. 
RiTTA enters from door iinder stairs follozved by Mrs. Mon- 
tague, Sir Randall and Rosa, zvlio brings on a lamp. 

Ritta. But not against ours, Jasper Craddock ! We have 
heard you convict yourself by your own confession. 

Craddock. A very clever trick, sir, but it is before the 
Courts of England, that these charges are to be answered, and 
you have no authority to bar my passage from this room. 

Sawyer a«^ Joe Skerrett, an English detective officer, 
enter onto platform and at once descend steps. Jimmie 
Nipper on, remains on platform. 

Sawyer. You're wrong again brother Craddock, allow me 
to introduce you to Joseph Skerrett, Esquire, special agent 
of the London detective police, Scotland Yards. Skerrett, 
Craddock; Craddock,. Skerrett, 

Skerrett. Train a little late, but I got here on time. \^Pro- 
diices legal documents^ The extradition papers for Jasper 
Craddock and Paulo Viotto, duly signed by the Secretary 
of State. 

Happy to meet you gentlemen, after so many years. 
Why I should have known either of you, among a thousand. 

\^Assists Hoffmeier topitt the double handcuffs on Crad- 
dock and Contl] 

Craddock. Well, Conti, there's a consolation in knowing 
that you did not betray me. 

Conti. \^Half aside.'] I didn't get a de chance. 

O'Paff. [ To Ritta.] You thought my plan a desperate 
one, dear, you see that I was right. 

Ritta. You are always right, Felix, as you were when you 
first saw beneath my sun-burned face a something that told 
you I was not what I seemed to be. 

O'Paff. It was a sacred instinct, dear, and no credit to 
myself An All-Wise Providence made the poor, briefless 
lav/yer his humble instrument- 



y8 LOVE AND LAW, 

S/r Randall. O'Paff, old boy, this case is a fortune to yoi 
if you never win another. 
Sir Randall and Helen l., O'Paff and Ritta c, Saw. 

YER R. c, Conti, Craddock, Hoffmeier a7id Skerreti 

R., a Utile in background. Old Rosa, holding lamp a. 

back, L. 

Ritta. \_To O'Paff.] You have won your case and cHen 
too. 

Sawyer. On a brief without a flaw. 

Mrs. Montague. [To Sir Randall.] You've been mos 
loyal in your love. 

O'Paff. And now we're all sound in Law. 
Music. O'Paff embraces Ritta, Sir Randall embrace. 

Helen, Sawyer slaps his hat down on the floor, rams hi. 

hands in his pockets, and walks up stage in disgust. Jim 

MiE dancing. Kitty follozus Jimmie 07i at end, am 

remains on platform. They embrace as curtain descends 

Hoffmeier tries to get at them, and is restrained by Saw 

YER. 

CURTAIN. 



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